Taking a sports vehicle off-highway is probably the most exciting and adventurous thing for driving enthusiasts. The UAE offers some of the best deserts for people who really want to make the most of their 4x4. But remember it can also be a complete disaster unless you prepare your vehicle for the trail and take necessary precautions. 

So, here are a few useful tips and tricks that will help you to make your off-road driving adventures one of a kind. 

Before you go deep into the sand dunes, make sure that you have off-road insurance cover in your car insurance plan. It is an essential add-on that covers damage or loss caused by an insured vehicle while driving off-road. Car insurance companies provide off-road coverage exclusively for a 4x4 vehicle. 

Many car dealers provide this coverage along with car insurance policy. However, you can also buy car insurance on your own. All you have to do is to compare car insurance with multiple car insurance companies and choose the best one that meets your insurance requirements. Don’t forget to check the limitations of the off-road cover when you are opting for this add-on. 

After that, you need to make sure that your car is ready to drive through such terrain. So, check the fluid, oil, water level in the cooling system, and ensure that the tyres are in good condition before you go for the off-road adventure. Also, fill up the fuel tank before bashing sand dunes. This will help you avoid troubles or any potential breakdown. 

When it comes to sand dune bashing, tyre pressure is undoubtedly the major factor to check. Reducing the pressure of the tyres is essential once you leave the road and enter the desert as it enables a smooth movement of the car. However, it’s quite tough to tell you which pressure to run through as tyre pressure varies from one car to another. Several variables such as tyre size, weight, and even vehicle type all play a crucial role in determining the pressure of the tyres. In addition to this, sand as the terrain is also constantly changing and can have different densities. 

Important Tip: Carry a pressure gauge along with you and don’t forget to pump up the tyres before you come to the main road again. 

• Shovel: You might get stuck in the sand. Well, don’t get tensed it’s quite a common thing when you are driving in the desert. The first thing to do is to stop trying to drive out of it because you’re only going to dig yourself in deeper. Second thing is to try and reverse out of it. You might need a shove to get rid off the sand. Make sure you keep it handy. 

• Tow Rope: Other useful equipment is a tow rope. But the rope is useless unless there is another vehicle to attach it to. 

Driving in the desert is not a cake walk especially for an average driver. It requires a special skill set to drive the vehicle when a vehicle gets stuck in the sand and does not start. Here are some useful tips for driving in the sand dunes that will definitely help you tackle the dunes and enjoy the ride along the way:

• Maintain a safe distance between cars. It is recommended to stop on an incline. 

• Make sure that all the passengers wear their seat belts during the ride. 

• Drive slowly and easily. If you drive the car too fast, it might damage your car. 

• When in deep sand, use high gears and keep the speed up. 

Without any doubt, driving in sand dunes can be a very exciting thing especially for adventure enthusiasts. If you are one of them, then this point is useful for you. Maybe you want to explore the desert but remember it’s very important to stick on the tracks already set out by cars that came before you. Although there is no speed limit, do not get too excited and test the speed limit of your car. You need to be very careful while driving into the desert as rapid changes in speed or breaks can cause your wheels to get stuck in the sand. 

Want to make the most of your off-road driving experience? If yes, then follow these tips and tricks to avoid any hassles while driving in the sand dunes. 

Have a safe drive.