All about driving in Sand.

Driving in sand is extremely fun, it is one of those things you can do if you own a 4X4. One of the best things about driving in sand is that you do not need to spend a lot of money on modifying your 4X4.

Like any Off-Roading, you do need to keep a few things in mind. Here are 5 tips for a good Off-Road adventure.

 

1. Preparation.

You need to bring along a tyre inflation system, few water bottles, dry fruits, a shovel, a flashlight, traction boards/mats, towing ropes, and towing hooks.

 

2. Tyres.

Using tyres with large block pattern yet less aggressive grooves are best suited for driving through sand as they tend float on the sand rather than digging up. 

 

It is also very essential that you need to reduce the air pressure in tyres to increase the contact patch. The increased contact patch will allow you to have much better control of your vehicle and improve traction.

 There is no exact tyre pressure you must maintain while driving through sand, but it is safe to keep anywhere between 16psi to 22psi.

 

You should also keep in mind that driving in beach sand and desert sand is completely different. Beach sand is firmer than desert sand and you can keep tyre pressure slightly closer to 20-22psi mark.

 

3. Momentum.

While driving in sand, you should always keep up the momentum. It is advisable to keep speeds of 35-45kmph while driving on sand.

 

Losing momentum can result in loss of traction at wheels and getting beached.

 

4. Dunes.

Blasting over the dunes is extremely fun but it can turn into a disaster quite easily. There are plenty of videos on YouTube where people approaching dunes diagonally, it is a great technique but if you are an amateur it is better to take dunes head-on while keeping good momentum.

 

You should never turn your vehicle while climbing a dune as it can upset the balance of the vehicle and increase the chances of a roll-over.

 

The best way to start climbing again is to roll back gently in reverse gear, which will give you more control with the help of engine-braking.

 

When you are approaching the top of the dune, gently roll back from the accelerator pedal and align the vehicle diagonally as it will give you a stable platform to stop the vehicle and check the slope for safe descend.

  

5. Getting stuck.

When you do get stuck, stop accelerating as it will only aid in digging your car deeper. Try reversing out, if that does not work, use traction boards or mats. If you do not have traction aids, then use a shovel to make a natural ramp to get out.

If nothing works out, seek help. If you are out in the desert alone and do not know where to seek help, stay inside the car as it will give you protection from the harsh conditions of the desert and finding a car in the desert is much easier than finding a person.

 

6. Back on the Road

If you drive with low tyre pressure on the tarmac, you will ruin your tyres for sure. So, it is better to carry a small portable tyre inflation kit in your 4X4. Before filling your tyres with air, make sure you let your tyres cool-down for about 15-20minutes before inflating.

 

 

ATHUL Z

Content Creator, MYTYRE.