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Difficult Driving Off Road

Tips For Your First 4-Wheeling Trip Off Road

by Jim Walczak
for About.com

When riding off-road, you should be familiar with how to maneuver your vehicle on all types of terrain, and under a variety of conditions. Here are a few tips to get you out of some tough predicaments.

For all types of terrain
Off-road driving is a game of finesse. Your goal should be to have minimal impact on the terrain, while managing to get through it.

Riding through tight spots
Keep the driver's side of the vehicle close to obstacles so you can judge distances more accurately. (Just don't forget about the rest of the vehicle!)

Riding through deep ruts
Heavily used tracks often become deeply rutted, to the point where it is impossible to drive without getting the undercarriage hung up. To prevent this, drive with one wheel in the rut and the other wheel on the middle hump. If there is enough room on the side, drive with one wheel on the hump, and one on the far side of one of the ruts.

Riding through sand, snow, or mud
Tips for riding on these surfaces can be easy.

Riding over rocks, logs, ditches, and obstacles
While these obstacles can be trickier they can be traversed with care.

Climbing hills
Check out the hill before you rush over it.

Descending hills on failed climbs
Now what? Know before you go.

Descending hills on successful climbs
OK, you made it, stay alert.

Riding through water
Be cautious and have fun. Riding through water doesn't count for a bath.

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