Getting you to that secluded beach

SAND DRIVING

HOW TO

Driving on sand is a favourite pastime of many off-roaders and being able to get onto a secluded spot on the beach is something many West Aussies enjoy on a regular basis.

For many newcomers to sand, driving it may seem like a daunting task with tales of disasters lurking in their minds, preventing them from wanting to venture too far on the soft sand. It need not be though, with the correct techniques and some prior preparation sand driving can be quite an easy and enjoyable task.

Factors affecting sand driving

• Tyre pressure

(lower tyre pressures mean more surface area across the sand)

• Terrain • Vehicle weight • Tyre type

(heavier side walled mud terrain tyres need to be deflated more than a standard tyre to provide the same level of surface area)

• Time of day

(middle of the day and high temps mean drier sand)

• Gear selection

The basic rules for sand driving

• Always drop your tyre pressure before you drive onto the sand • Start with no more than 18PSI in each tyre • If driving an AUTO, select MANUAL Mode • Don’t ride the clutch in a MANUAL • Controlled momentum • Don’t spin your wheels • Start and stop gradually • If parking, always point the vehicle down hill • Turn off ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and Traction Control • Always drive up and down sand hills in a straight line • When stopping on sand reverse the car slowly about ¼ of the car length to ensure there is no sand piled in front of your tyres • Don’t drive on sloping ground, especially near the water line • If bogged, reduce tyre pressure, dig, use recovery boards BEFORE trying to snatch or tow the vehicle out • Check tyre pressures regularly • Don’t drive too fast or make aggressive or sudden turns

Never drive on soft beaches or sand tracks with a tyre pressure greater than 18PSI. Doing so will damage the track and place undue stress on your vehicle.

Basic equipment needed

• Good quality tyre pressure gauge (minimum of 72 litres per minute) • Good quality air compressor (not one that plugs into a 12 volt socket)

Other items you should carry

• Shovel • Recovery boards • Snatch strap, shackles etc • Vehicle fitted recovery points • Sand flag

Prefer to learn from the experts?

Eureka 4WD Training offers recreational Introductory, Bush or Sand Terrain courses most weekends

Contact Eureka 4WD Training on 08 9461 2300 www.eureka4wd.com.au

There is also a FREE app available for both Android and iOS devices.

Tell 'em Western 4W Driver sent you and get 10% off when you book a recreational course.