Desert driving is a unique activity whereby the driver needs to have a certain level of skill that can be attained by experience and by experience alone.

The sand surface has its own texture with different levels of hardness/softness at times, it becomes important to know and identify the type of sand by looking at its colour. The basic rule is the lighter the colour, the softer the sand.

The basic secret to having a smooth drive is to have the correct momentum. The required momentum depends on the softness of the surface, tire pressure, weight of the vehicle and angle of travel. Too much momentum is not recommended, as this may reduce control of the vehicle, whereas the lack of momentum may take you nowhere. With experience and primary guidance by an expert, you can master the momentum part.

Let us now talk about the control part:

The control part comprises the direction of travel, approach, departure angles, angle of travel, ground clearance, centre of gravity, presence of mind and safety. 

You need a 4x4 vehicle with good tires and some basic off-road gear. A pair of recovery hooks is a must on any vehicle venturing into the dunes. Wear safety belts and keep a good distance between the vehicles in your point of view, whereby you periodically check the rear mirror to ascertain that the vehicles behind also maintain a safe distance. Make sure that you carry enough fuel, water, food, and a basic medical kit as a backup. A fully charged radio, cell phone and GPS are some other vital items that you may need during your off-road ride.

The direction of travel

In the desert, it is always recommended to drive straight ahead and turns should be encountered with caution as the risk of tire pop outs and rollovers is extensive (especially with new drivers). Keep the steering wheel as straight as possible and only turn intermediately right and left when speed is compromised or when turning becomes necessary. The intermediate right and left turns (half turns) are done to create traction at the front wheels.

For new drivers, it is strongly recommended to climb the dune straight and descend a dune straight. In case the vehicle pulls towards any side, just bring back the vehicle to stay in a straight line.

Approach and departure angle

The basic rule is that front tires (right or left) should be the first to touch the base of the dune, or else these are a fair chance of damaging the part bumper and components. So, the trick is to approach the dune and accelerate as soon as your side tires or both together encounter the base of the dune. The departure angle also becomes important when the vehicle departs the dune at its base, if there is overhang on the rear bumper, it may act as a shovel whereby the vehicle may slow down due to resistance being the least of its affect and could also end up with a damaged rear bumper.

Centre of gravity

When encountering a dune, it may get tricky; the Golden Rule is to abort the climb when the vehicle momentum is lost. With experience, the drivers will learn to stay at the best power band of the engine and the usage of the right gears is key. Always remember to switch off the traction switch if equipped. Overriding of the clutch should be avoided until very necessary, or else you end up paying for the expensive repairs.

Always remember to engage into 4X4 (ideally 4H for cruise speeds and 4L in tricky situations). Using the diff lock if available makes getting unstuck a lot easier. Do remember to shift to neutral before engaging or disengaging 4L. Steering movement will be restricted when using differential lock and should be in any case disengaged before reaching the tarmac.

The knowledge of the surface, your vehicle capabilities and experience acquired through regular off-roading will make the desert a wonderful place to be. Any kind of vehicle modification should be done with proper expert advice (height and weight) and using reliable brands in the market.

Off-road driving is a constant battle with the gravity every time you drive up, climb over, or slide down; gravity is there to fight you. It is always best to know where the centre of gravity of the vehicle is.

Why wait? Gear up and head to our store in Al Qouz. Let us help you carve to be an expert on the dunes.

Drive Responsibly, Thread lightly and Respect Nature