Water Crossing Off-Road Tips
Posted by Roger Bobrock on
Water crossings are a fun part of progressing in your off-roading journey. Although these pathways bring excitement, it’s essential to always prepare yourself before heading off-road. Water crossings can be dangerous and may also cause unwanted damages to your vehicles. For this reason, it is vital to equip your vehicle with the right tools and also recognize the hazards before beginning your new adventure. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your next off- roading trip:
Tips to Stay Prepared
Before crossing the water, it is necessary to access the depth of the river. Some areas may be deep, which can instantly flood your car and ultimately damage its engine in seconds. Recognizing the intensity of the water will help protect your vehicle and also ensure your safety alongside others. Drivers have found that installing a water bra in front of the vehicle helps to keep liquid absent from the engine of the car.
Additionally, before crossing water, it is crucial to make sure there are no dangerous objects in the pathway. Items such as sticks, rocks, or sharp things will cause undesired damage to your vehicle. Furthermore, before passing into the water, make sure to keep your windows down in the vehicle. Doing this will help assure protection in the case of an emergency. Be sure to enter the water slowly so your vehicle will be able to float effortlessly.
Keep Calm if Stuck
If you notice that you are stuck in the water, the best thing to do is to first remain calm; this way you can carefully think of the next steps to take, or how you will recover the vehicle. If you notice that your vehicle can’t move forward anymore, try to switch gears, put it in reverse, and gently press the gas pedal. If this isn’t working, get on the top of your vehicle and be sure to have your recovery tools in arms reach. If there’s another vehicle near you, try to use your tow rope and attach it to the opposite vehicle to help get you out of the water.
What to Do After You Cross
Lastly, after you’ve made it across the water safely, give your vehicle proper time to dry off. Aside from your car seats and interior being wet, the water could also impact your brakes. For this reason, it is necessary to allow your vehicle to dry off for a couple of minutes before continuing your adventurous journey.