The Ultimate Guide to Driving Off-Road

Driving off-road can be an exhilarating aspect of any self-drive adventure. With a 4×4, you can access parts of the wilderness that are off-limits to regular vehicles, opening up entirely different experiences. However, driving off-road requires knowledge, skill, and a healthy amount of common sense.

This guide will help you earn your first stripes in the art of off-road driving, covering everything from understanding the 4×4 system to essential driving techniques and tips. After all, if you decide to hire a 4×4 in countries such as South Africa, you’ll want to make the most of its capabilities. Read on to learn more.

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How Does a 4×4 Vehicle Work?

Ground level photo of a 4x4's wheel on a muddy road. Photo: Getty Images

Ground level photo of a 4×4’s wheel on a muddy road. Photo: Getty Images

So, you plan to hire a 4×4 for your self-drive adventure in South Africa. First, of all, what is a 4×4? Put simply, it’s a vehicle that can drive all four of its wheels. While most cars are either front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive ensures optimal performance on slippery or uneven terrain.

What’s the Difference Between 4 High (4H) and 4 Low (4L)?

In your 4×4 rental, you’ll see a rotating dial or button that displays three modes: 2 High (2H), 4 High (4H), and 4 Low (4L). Each mode serves a different purpose. Firstly, 2H is the vehicle’s two-wheel drive mode. In models like the Toyota Hilux, power is only sent to the rear wheels in this mode, making it suitable for on-road driving.

However, when the going gets rough, you can switch to 4H. With this, the vehicle will send power to all four wheels without a significant change in torque. This is especially useful on gravel roads and in situations where you’re driving at a normal speed. Then, there’s 4L. This is where the 4×4 can really show off.

This engages four-wheel drive at low range, providing maximum torque and power to all wheels. A low range transfer case multiplies a 4×4’s torque, trading higher speeds for steady power that can get you up steep hills. This setting is essential for extreme off-road conditions such as deep mud, steep inclines, and rocky terrain. This mode is particularly useful when navigating through dense bush or climbing over large obstacles.

What is a Differential Locker?

Differential lockers are mechanisms that lock the differential, allowing both wheels on an axle to rotate at the same speed. This prevents wheel spin and maximises traction in extreme off-road conditions. Manual lockers require driver engagement, while automatic lockers activate as needed. Lockers are particularly useful in rock crawling scenarios or when one wheel is in the air – if it starts to spin, it won’t affect the other three, allowing you to keep moving.

Some vehicles don’t have diff-lock, but they do have Limited Slip Differential (LSD) systems. For 4×4 purposes, these systems use wheel sensors and the brakes to stop wheels from spinning when they lose traction, instead sending the power to the other wheels.

Tyre Pressure: Adjusting for Terrain

Most of the time, you won’t need to worry about adjusting a 4×4’s tyre pressure. However, in certain conditions, a lower tyre pressure can be the difference between off-roading and getting stuck.

Specifically, lowering tyre pressure can significantly increase traction on soft surfaces like sand or mud by increasing the contact area between the tyre and the ground. This helps prevent the vehicle from getting stuck and improves grip. Be careful not to deflate your tyres too much, however, as a flat tyre can easily come off the rim.

Essential Off-Road Driving Tips

4x4 drives through the bushes at Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa. Photo: Getty Images

4×4 drives through the bushes at Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa. Photo: Getty Images

Know Your Vehicle: Understand the capabilities and limits of your 4×4, including the best times to use 4H, 4L, and diff-lock.
Reduce Speed: Drive slowly to navigate obstacles safely, giving you more time to react to sudden changes in terrain.
Plan Your Route: Research the terrain and weather conditions before heading out, ensuring you are prepared for any challenges. Websites and local guides can provide valuable information about trail conditions.
Carry Proper Gear: Essential recovery tools include a shovel, tow straps, and a winch, which can be lifesavers if you get stuck. Your rental vehicle should include these essentials, plus a first aid kit.
Stay on Trails: Minimise environmental impact and reduce the risk of getting lost by staying on established trails. Off-trail driving can cause significant damage to the environment and is often illegal.

4×4 Recovery: What if You Get Stuck?

Your 4×4 Recovery Equipment

Depending on the vehicle you choose, you’ll be supplied with a selection of 4×4 recovery equipment, including these basics:

High-lift jack or air jack: Regular vehicle jacks are typically too small for 4x4s. A high-lift jack can support much more weight, while an air jack is simple to use.
Air compressor: This device connects directly to the vehicle’s battery. You can use it to inflate and deflate tyres as needed.
Tow strap: Recovery services will use this high-strength strap to tow your 4×4 out of trouble.
Fire extinguisher: Vital in any remote emergency situation.
Spade: You can use the spade to dig the 4×4 out of deep sand.
Puncture repair kit: This typically includes rubber plugs and sealant.
Snatch strap: This strap is specifically designed for situations where you need to pull or “snatch” a stuck vehicle using another vehicle.
Sand tracks: These plastic boards provide much-needed traction when one or more wheels get stuck.

Muddy 4X4 Trail in South Africa. Photo: Canva

Recovering the Vehicle

If you find yourself in a recovery situation, the first step is always to try to contact the vehicle supplier. However, there are some basic techniques you can use to try to escape a sticky situation.

Dig and Move

Sometimes, freeing a stuck vehicle is as simple as digging the wheels out of deep sand, gravel, or mud. You can create a less steep gradient for the wheel to climb. In more serious situations, the vehicle can “belly out”, with the entire underbody pressed against sand. With a bit of elbow grease, you can dig it out so that the weight shifts back onto the wheels.

Create Traction

If you have sand tracks, you can place them directly in front or behind a stuck wheel. This creates an area of good traction, enabling the vehicle to escape a situation where it can no longer move.

Towing/Snatching

If you’re travelling with another vehicle in the group, you can use one 4×4 to free another. These vehicles feature specific tow points on the front and rear of the chassis. It’s vital that you attach the strap here – attaching it anywhere else can result in serious damage and can hurt bystanders.

Contact Your Reservations Office for Assistance

If you get stuck and need urgent help, please reach out to the vehicle supplier immediately. Depending on where you are, they will be able to dispatch a recovery vehicle to get you out of trouble. The contact details will be noted on your Booking Confirmation.

Mastering off-road driving requires understanding your vehicle, practising essential techniques, and knowing when to use advanced features like 4H, 4L, and diff-locks. By preparing adequately and respecting the environment, you can enjoy thrilling off-road adventures safely and with total peace of mind.

Ready to tackle the dunes, slopes, and river crossings? Choose from Drive South Africa’s extensive selection of 4×4 vehicles and get going on your self-drive, off-road adventure. Use the handy booking form at the top of the page to rent a 4×4 today. Stay safe and see you on the trails!