Four Wheel Driving

Whether it is cruising down an endless sandy beach, manoeuvring up a rocky mountain or ripping it up over a desert track, whatever you are in to four wheel driving has something to offer! Four wheel driving, or recreational off-roading, isn’t just for extremists or purists; outback tourers and casual off-roaders can also get in on the action and enjoy this exhilarating sport. As a pastime, four wheel driving is enjoyed right across the globe, with different countries providing an array of varied terrains perfect for this off road activity. It is especially popular in Australia and New Zealand, as these countries have all the elements to suite four wheel driving, amazing beaches, scenic bush tracks, vast mountain ranges and hardcore terrain.

One of the best things about four wheel driving is that it appeals to so many people. Car, nature and adventure enthusiasts all have something to gain by jumping in their four wheel drive or hiring one and getting out there to explore all the environment has to offer. Because four wheel driving is often enjoyed with other sports like fishing, camping and caravanning, more and more people can take pleasure in off-roading and it can become a real family affair! Four wheel driving allows you access to usually inaccessible spots and is a fantastic way to discover some truly picturesque and unspoilt landscapes.

Types of Four Wheel Driving

There are four wheel drive trails, locations and styles to suit all levels of experience and equipment. In Australia especially, some of the most commonly enjoyed off-roading trips are those made to the beach. With Australia’s seemingly boundless number of sundrenched beaches it is easy to see why so many people take to the sand. Driving on the beach is an amazing attraction because of the beauty to be viewed and because beach destinations are also great places to fish, camp, swim and explore. Remember to always check if beach driving is allowed in the area you are travelling to. Many four wheel drive destinations require drivers to attain a permit, like in national parks.

Another good type of off-roading for beginners and less confident four wheel drivers is greenlining. Also known as two-tracking this is a moderate type of driving that involves travelling along forest tracks and old roadways and is done at a leisurely pace. This light-duty off-roading is mainly about getting away from the hustle and bustle and exploring remote and beautiful areas.

Mudding is another popular type of four wheel driving, and for the more experience and technical off-roaders rock crawling and rock racing are great extreme off-road activities. Rock crawling calls for highly modified vehicles and lots of knowledge. Drivers must manoeuvre over rock piles and mountain foothills and it is most commonly done as part of a four wheel drive competition.

Four Wheel Drive Competitions

There are many different types of four wheel drive competitions including the fast and intense Formula Off-Road competitions, the highly competitive Road-Taxed and Cross-Country Vehicle Trials, and the skilful and challenging Winch Challenges. Other four wheel drive competitions and events include Off-Road Endurance tests, Jamborees, Mud Bog races, Top Truck Challenges and Sand racing.

Four Wheel Drive Rigs

Some forms of four wheel driving, like beach driving, can be done using factory or standard four wheel drive vehicles. However, most drivers choose to customise their rigs for better off-road performance and safety. The more challenging and intense four wheel drive events and competitions often call for a total remodification of the vehicles. The most common vehicle modifications include replacing the factory tyres with all-terrain or mud tyres, and vehicle, suspension and body lifts.

Four Wheel Driving Tips & Techniques

There are many things to consider before heading off the beaten track in your four wheel drive. Some of the key tips are:

• Always deflate your tyres when driving over sand or rocky terrain
• Drive on the beach at low-tide only
• Carry a range of 4WD recovery tools with you
• Cross ditches, logs and other obstacles on an angle and only allow one tyre to go over the obstacle at a time

There are specific techniques for all different four wheel driving experiences like hill climbs, steep declines, river crossings, beach tracks and mud patches. The best way to fully understand all these techniques is to ask the enthusiasts and experts; joining a four wheel drive club is a great way to make these contacts.

Four Wheel Drive Clubs

Wherever you are located and whatever type of four wheel driving you are interested in, there is sure to be a club near you. Clubs are a great way to meet with other four wheel drive enthusiasts and get involved in rides, competitions and other organised off-road events. Many clubs offer driver training courses for novices and will allow you to travel safe while still having lots of fun.

Other Great Four Wheel Driving Sites

The Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council is the premier recreational four wheel drive organisation in Australia.