Do's and Don't's of Off-Roading

Do read carefully the owners' vehicle manual.

Do prepare the vehicle in all respects before going off road.

Do prepare yourself and your passengers for the journey ahead.

Do prepare the route ahead to make sure it is actually legal to drive.

Do take an off-road driving course which includes classroom sessions at a recognised off-road training centre rather than find out 'how to do it' the hard way.

Do always take at least one other vehicle with you, but try to avoid a convoy.

Do stick to LARA's code for vehicular use in the countryside.

Do always survey on foot first. You could be very glad you did!

Don't wrap your thumbs round the steering wheel. The steering wheel may kick back - and leave you with a broken thumb.

Don't ride the clutch pedal. Keep your left foot well clear at all times when travelling off-road.

Don't use the footbrake too much. Learn to be in the right gear at all times, controlling the speed on the throttle.

Don't use the handbrake whilst the vehicle is moving, except carefully in an emergency.

Don't rely on the handbrake to hold the vehicle if the handbrake brake linings have been subjected to mud and water.

Don't overload the vehicle, especially the roof rack if fitted, as you will raise the centre of gravity.

Don't attempt to engage four-wheel drive on a part-time transmission Land Rover while the rear wheels are spinning.

Don't attempt to engage the centre differential lock on a full-time transmission vehicle when any of the wheels are spinning or when turning a tight bend.

Don't engage low range on the move on any model.

Don't engage four-wheel drive on a part-time transmission Land Rover, or the centre diff lock on a full-time transmission vehicle on the road except when the road surface provides insufficient traction, such a muddy surface, ice or snow.

Don't allow the engine to labour in too high a gear for fear of stalling.

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(c)Goodwinch Limited 2006