Land Rover Guide to Off-Roading: Pt 2

Mud & Sand

Edited by JOSEPH V. KUCA

Range Rover, LR4, and Range Rover Sport have a unique Terrain Response® system that can be set for different driving conditions: rock crawl, mud and ruts, sand, grass/gravel/snow or road.

Terrain Response® is a groundbreaking feature that should be used in conjunction with proactive driving techniques. Here are some additional tips for off-road driving in mud and sand.

The Basics

- Use steady momentum to carry you through deep sand or mud.
- Do not select a gear that is too low in mud because it will spin tires more easily.
- However, in sand a low gear is usually better.
- If muddy conditions force you to drive in ruts, make sure you know where your front wheels are pointing at all times.
- Tires can cut through mud to find traction on firmer ground below.
- Sand is firmest at dawn.
- If you have to sit out a sandstorm, turn the rear of the vehicle to face the wind, and then turn the engine off.
- Follow the tire and Land Rover’s advice on tire pressure.
- However, where the sand is soft and contains stones, a low pressure works better.
- When the wheels start to spin, ease off the throttle and allow the tires to slow down and regain traction.

Remember: Before setting out on your adventure, always make sure you and your passengers are wearing climate-suitable clothing.

Sand: The Fine Detail

- The geology of desert. Sand covers only about 20 per cent of the Earth’s deserts. Most of the sand is in sand sheets and sand seas – vast regions of undulating dunes like ocean waves ‘frozen’ in an instant of time.
- Beaches. Usually firm enough to take a vehicle between high tide mark and four meters from the sea. Beware of incoming tide.
- Damp sand. Damp desert sand after rain can be easier to drive on. Often, flowers blooming overnight will help bind sand together.
- Firm sand. Stretches of desert where you can travel in relatively high range.
- Dry sand. A surface crust that's stronger in the cool of the morning.
- Wet sand. Keep off. It can contain areas of 'floating' sand or quicksand.
- Sand dunes. Avoid climbing over dunes, go round them.

Snow

Range Rover, LR4, and Range Rover Sport have a unique Terrain Response® system that can be set for different driving conditions: rock crawl, mud and ruts, sand, grass/gravel/snow or road.Terrain Response® is a groundbreaking feature that should be used in conjunction with proactive driving techniques. Here are some additional tips for off-road driving in snow.

Before You Drive In Snow

- Check which snow chains we recommend for your Land Rover and whether they can be safely fitted to the tires on your vehicle.
- Inspect regularly to ensure the chains are taut.
- Practice fitting snow chains before you actually need them, preferably on a sunny day.

Remember: Before setting out on your adventure, always make sure you and your passengers are wearing climate-suitable clothing.

The Basics For Driving In Snow

- Use steady momentum to carry you through deep snow.
- Do not select a gear that is too low in snow as it will spin tires more easily.
- Follow the tire and vehicle manufacturer’s advice on tire pressure.
- When the wheels start to spin, ease off the throttle and allow the tires to slow down and regain traction.
- Select the highest gear possible for the conditions.

Hills 

How To Climb Hills

- Wherever possible, investigate the area on foot. Always know what’s on the other side of the hill.
- Engage Hill Descent Control (HDC) if available.
- Ascend a hill in the highest gear in which the vehicle will ‘pull’ comfortably. If the gear selected is too low, the wheels will spin. If too high, you will not have enough power to climb the hill.
- Always approach the hill from a straight-ahead position, rather than diagonally, to avoid a roll-over.
- Never attempt to turn the vehicle on a steep slope.
- Be prepared for a failed climb. It happens to the best drivers. Work out an escape route and know where all the obstacles are. 
 

How To Descend Hills

- Stop a vehicle length before the descent so that you have time to make any corrections.
- You can also get out of the vehicle and assess the land ahead.
- Engage HDC, if available.
- As a rule of thumb, use 1st gear low range or ‘1’ on the automatic gearbox and use brakes sparingly.
- Follow the natural fall line; the route water would take down the slope.
- Never roll or reverse downhill with the transmission in neutral or the clutch  depressed.
- Never turn the vehicle on a steep slope. This could lead to sideways sliding.
- If you do need to stop on the way down ask yourself one question: is it safe?

Crossing Water

Off-Road Driving Though Water

Tips For Crossing Water

- Whenever possible, cross water at a ford.
- As long as it is safe to do so, walk the stream before you try it in a vehicle. Use a stick to gauge depth and pinpoint underwater hollows.
- Do not cross deep fast-flowing streams.
- In deep waves create a small bow wave about one meter in front of the bumper.
- Do not slip the clutch as this reduces control of the vehicle.· Ease off the accelerator as you approach the other side of the water.
- If there’s a steep slope, take a look at our guide on driving up and down slopes (see Hills).

How To Create The Perfect Bow Wave

- Accelerate as you enter the water until a bow wave has formed.
- Try to keep it about one meter in front of the bumper to keep water away from the fan electronics.
- Maintain a speed that keeps the bow wave flowing in front of the bumper.
- Remember, the aim is to create a gentle wave, not a surfing wave!