DRIVING ON SAND

[admin]

The following is based on advice to participants on Lancelin drivers’ days. It is generally applicable to driving on sand or tracks anywhere. Take it easy and enjoy.

1. If you can’t walk it, don’t drive it!
2. Travel with at least two vehicles for safety and recovery, or to drive for help.
3. Watch out for other vehicles, bikes, and people. Assume others are unaware.
4. Gauge sand conditions - wet sand is best, but there may be soft patches.
5. You must have a towing point front & rear (do not count the roo-bar or tow-bar).
6. Take a responsible attitude to the environment. Keep on tracks & off vegetation. Ask if you are not sure- do not proceed unless you know what to do.
7. Take food, water, weather protection, pump, tyre pressure gauge, jack & large base-plate and towing gear. We suggest a towrope, but preferably a rated “snatchem strap” with rated ‘D’ or ‘bow’ shackles. Ropes and straps must be safely attached - seek advice and/or training before using. Is the spare tyre ok?
8. Difficult sections shall be checked and planned first. If you can’t walk it, don’t drive it! Can you get out?
9. Lower tyre pressures before proceeding on sand. Lower pressure further in stages if you are having difficulty. Small changes in pressure may make a large difference to traction. Even pressures are usually best, but you may experiment with different front to rear pressures. Experience helps.
10. Turn gently so that a tyre/s is not rolled off the rim.
11. Keep the speed down. If you don’t make it the first time, try a little faster or a different way. Experiment a little. There are no prizes!
12. Damage may occur when driving too fast, and the front & rear overhangs are the most vulnerable. Plastic under trays may/will be damaged. We recommend removal before a trip. You might consider a metal sump guard. Remove the engine ‘splash’ tray or it may be torn off.
13. Drive carefully, smoothly and with anticipation. Experience helps.
14. Keep an eye out for rocks and sticks. They may damage tyres, CV boots or under the car.
15. When about to crest a ridge or hilltop, walk to the top and look first. Back off so the car does not become airborne and possibly damage the car. (See next).
16. If approaching a crest, first walk up and look to avoid being stranded “see-saw” on a razor edge. When you drive over, do so with commitment; do not stop on the crested edge (see previous).
17. Go straight up or down dunes/hills- not at an angle or you may get stuck or slew to the side, get stuck or roll over. Minimal use of brakes and steering, especially downhill.
18. High range is suggested unless advised otherwise. Use low range only when you have to, or as below or under instruction. Do not slip the clutch - try a lower gear, or let tyres down, or ask for assistance.
19. Automatic gearboxes - use drive, low, and/or shift manually 1, 2, 3 or 3, 2, 1 as required.
20. Down steep hills, drive in gear (auto in 1) in low range. Do not coast (free-wheel).
21. If the car has power steering, do not wind the steering wheel too much to avoid “ploughing”. Keep your fingers & thumbs out of the steering wheel spokes. Use the 1010 position.
22. Minimal use of brakes and steering, especially downhill.
23. Call the next car on CB or by a signal through or over the obstacle when safe. A flag on a long pole or antenna is suggested for all cars.
24. Travel at a reasonable distance behind so you can see, but keep in touch.
25. You are responsible for the car behind (see “Convoy Procedure” handout).
26. If the going is very difficult, go home before you break something or badly bog.

Obey instructions, advice and safety requirements at all times.
Above all, have fun.

Issued for members & visitors of the Subaru 4WD Club of WA Inc. © Subaru 4WD Club of WA Inc.