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CMH Isuzu Umhlanga’s Off-Roading for Dummies Guide!

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Dreaming of those off-roading adventures with your brand-new Isuzu 4X4 but not quite the expert yet? Fear not! CMH Isuzu Umhlanga brings you our “Off-Roading for Dummies” guide! We want you to make the most of your new bakkie. And with this simple guide of the do’s and don’ts for any adventure, you will soon be driving with confidence and ease. Like many great adventurers, one must plan properly! Have your route mapped out, emergency supplies packed and have enough rest to ensure you remain alert and ready to tackle any challenge you may encounter. Supplies like first aid, snacks and fuel could be lifesaving! Now that we have made sure we are stocked up; it is time to embark on our mighty trip… But is your bakkie ready? Here are a few things to check on your bakkie before you embark on this journey:

Tyre Tread

To ensure your vehicle has a good grip on the ground, it is important to have the correct tyre tread, a deep tyre tread with spaces between the lugs allows for your tyres to grip onto the ground while also not letting mud get stuck between the grooves of the tread. All terrain tyres are a great option for adventures in any setting, be it mud, snow or your regular city roads.

Tyre Pressure

Having the correct tyre pressure is certainly vital to your travel, knowing the correct tyre pressure for the terrain you are travelling on is important. For instance, a softer terrain like mud or sand requires a lower tyre pressure, which increases the amount of traction your vehicle has, allowing you to safely navigate your journey.

Brakes

We think this one speaks for itself! Great! Now that you and your vehicle are prepped and ready, let us talk about technique! While we are not saying you must be a 4X4 expert, but you do need to know how to finesse your bakkie through some rough roads, and what better way to learn how than to take an off-roading course like the ones offered at the Isuzu Driving Academy! But for now, here is some advice we can offer to enhance your skills:
  • Manage your speed, exploring must be savored, and keeping a slow speed in muddy or soft roads allows your vehicle to maintain its grip and allow you to pass through loose rocks or logs smoothly.
  • Drive straight down ruts and steep hills to avoid having your vehicle slide or roll over, if you feel your vehicle is sliding, try to turn the vehicle around and go down the side you are sliding down. Stop! If you are close to an edge, switch your vehicle off, make sure your seat belts are on and call for help.
  • Survey the road ahead and always try to make sure you know what is in your path before you encounter it, this will allow you to prepare how you will follow through the obstacle. When it comes to crossing ditches, logs or boulders, cross at an angle so that one tyre goes over at a time and the other three can assist with traction and force needed to get over these obstacles.
Off-Roading We think we have given you enough basics to set you off on your next big adventure. We know you will have the best time with your more than capable Isuzu, built to last and built for to be enjoyed! If you are still not feeling confident to take on the open roads of South Africa, contact the experts at CMH Isuzu Umhlanga on 031 582 6350 or www.umhlangaisuzu.co.za and we’d be more than happy to advise you on your next trip!