Off-road and unusual tracksPosted on 1st, 2008 at 3:01 pm Before a self-

drive trip, you should carefully study the route to determine if there is any location that is not accessible by a passenger car.

Some remote tourist destinations or natural exploration sites may be accessible by a normal pickup truck but others can be

accessible only by a four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you know about the fact beforehand, you

can pick the right vehicle.

In addition to your usual materials for a long journey, travelling by a 4WD

vehicle may require additional preparation for the engine, as well as

some necessary devices that may become necessary on a rough road. These include a spade to level the

track’s surface and a tow rope for a vehicle with no winch.

Driving “off-road” is far different from driving on public roads in many ways. It is difficult to control the steering wheel, especially on muddy terrains where the harder you resist, the easier your wheels get trapped in the mud.

Brake failure is a common problem in off-road driving. That is when the brake pedal feels softer than normal due to the seepage of mud water into the brake system.

Fine sands and grains of rock penetrate between the brake pad and the brake disc and wear them down. As a result, the brake makes a loud noise when you press the pedal.

Mud also settles on springs and cylinders and can cause them to rust and fall apart.To fix it, you need to open the brake disc and wash out the soil and mud.

Then readjust the clearance between the brake pad and the brake disc. You should also check whether the hand brake’s tautness is correct.

For those who drive on an exploration trail in the forest, you should watch for tree branches or small undergrowth near the ground.

They may puncture or sever a brake cable and cause the brake oil to leak. This will lead to the most dangerous type of brake failure.

So you should carefully examine your vehicle’s brake system every time you leave the forest.