Get Off-road driving -> Basic off-road techniques Guide for Land Rover Defender 90 SUV First Generation (1990-2016)

Off-road driving

175

WARNING

Off-road driving can be hazardous!

• DO NOT take unnecessary risks.

• Be prepared for emergencies at all

times.

• Familiarise yourself with the

recommended driving techniques in

order to minimise risks to yourself, your

vehicle AND your passengers.

• Always use a seat belt for personal

protection in all off-road driving

conditions.

• DO NOT drive if the fuel level is low -

undulating ground and steep inclines

could cause fuel starvation to the

engine.

• Driving off-road with a loaded roof rack

is not recommended. If it is necessary to

stow luggage on the roof-rack while

driving off-road, all loads MUST be

removed before traversing side slopes.

BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES

These basic driving techniques are an

introduction to the art of off-road driving and

do not necessarily provide the information

needed to successfully cope with every single

off-road situation.

We strongly recommend that owners who

intend to drive off-road frequently, should

seek as much additional information and

practical experience as possible.

Gear selection

Correct gear selection is possibly the single

most important factor for safe and successful

off-road driving. While only experience will tell

you which is the correct gear for any section

of ground, the following basic rules apply:

1. NEVER change gear or de-clutch while

negotiating difficult terrain - the drag on

the wheels may cause the vehicle to stop

when the clutch is depressed and

restarting may be difficult.

2. Generally, and especially where slippery or

soft ground conditions prevail, the higher

the gear you select the better.

3. When descending very steep slopes

always select 1st gear in LOW range.

Inexperienced drivers are advised to stop the

vehicle and carefully consider which gear will

be most appropriate for each manoeuvre

before continuing.

Slipping the clutch

Use of excessive clutch slip to prevent the

engine stalling will result in premature clutch

wear. Always select a gear low enough to

enable the vehicle to proceed without the need

to slip the clutch.

DO NOT drive with your foot resting on the

clutch pedal; driving across uneven terrain

could cause you to inadvertently depress the

clutch, resulting in loss of control of the

vehicle.

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176

Transfer gears

High range gears should be used whenever

possible - only change to low range when

ground conditions become very difficult. The

DIFF LOCK should be engaged whenever there

is a risk of losing wheel grip, and disengaged

as soon as firm, level, non-slippery ground is

reached.

Braking

As far as possible, vehicle speed should be

controlled through correct gear selection.

Application of the brake pedal should be kept

to an absolute minimum. Unless ABS is fitted,

any braking on wet, muddy or loose surfaces

is likely to cause one or more wheels to lock -

the resultant slide could prove dangerous.

NOTE: If the correct gear has been selected,

braking will be largely unnecessary.

Use of engine for braking

Before descending steep slopes, stop the

vehicle at least a length before the descent,

select neutral in the main gearbox, engage

LOW range and then select first or second

gear depending on the severity of the incline.

While descending the slope it should be

remembered that the engine will provide

sufficient braking effort to control the rate of

descent, and that the brakes should not be

applied.

Accelerating

Use the accelerator with care - unless Traction

control is fitted, any sudden surge of power

may induce wheel spin and result in loss of

control of the vehicle.

Steering

WARNING

DO NOT hold the steering wheel with your

thumbs inside the rim - a sudden ’kick’ of

the wheel as the vehicle negotiates a rut or

boulder could seriously injure them.

ALWAYS grip the wheel on the outside of the

rim (as shown) when traversing uneven

ground.

Survey the ground before driving

Before negotiating difficult terrain, it is wise to

carry out a preliminary survey on foot. This

will minimise the risk of your vehicle getting

into difficulty through a previously unnoticed

hazard.

Off-road driving

177

Ground clearance

Don’t forget to allow for ground clearance

beneath the chassis, axles, and under the

front and rear bumpers. Note that the axle

differentials are situated BELOW the chassis

and are positioned slightly to the RIGHT of the

centre of the vehicle. Note also that there are

other parts of the vehicle which may come

into contact with the ground; take care not to

ground the vehicle.

Ground clearance is particularly important at

the bottom of steep a slope, or where wheel

ruts are unusually deep and where sudden

changes in the slope of the ground are

experienced.

On soft ground the axle differentials will clear

their own path in all but the most difficult

conditions. However, on frozen, rocky or hard

ground, hard contact between the differentials

and the ground will generally result in the

vehicle coming to a sudden stop.

Always attempt to avoid obstacles that may

foul the chassis or axle differentials.

Loss of traction

On vehicles not fitted with Traction control, if

the vehicle is immobile due to loss of wheel

grip, the following hints could be of value:

• Avoid prolonged wheel spin; this will make

matters worse.

• Remove obstacles rather than forcing the

vehicle across them.

• Clear clogged tyre treads.

• Reverse as far as possible, then attempt

an increased speed approach - additional

momentum may overcome the obstacle.

• Brushwood, sacking or any similar

material placed in front of the tyres will

improve tyre grip.

Off-road driving

178

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

After driving off-road

Before rejoining the public highway, or

driving at speeds above 40 km/h (25

mph), consideration should be given to

the following:

• Wheels and tyres must be cleaned of

mud and inspected for damage -

ensure there are no lumps or bulges

in the tyres or exposure of the ply or

cord structure.

• Brake discs and calipers should be

examined and any stones or grit that

may affect braking efficiency

removed.

Servicing requirements

Vehicles operating in arduous conditions,

particularly on dusty, muddy, or wet

terrain, and vehicles undergoing frequent

or deep wading conditions will require

more frequent servicing. See ’Owner

maintenance’ and contact a Land Rover

dealer for advice.

In addition:

After wading in salt water or driving on

sandy beaches, use a hose to thoroughly

wash the underbody components and any

exposed body panels with fresh water.

This will help to protect the vehicle’s

cosmetic appearance.

Off-road driving -> Basic off-road techniques for Your Land Rover Defender 90 SUV First Generation (1990-2016)

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