By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Entries Open for The Cape 1000 – South Africa’s Most Beautiful Drive Returns for 2026
    June 10, 2025
    Ulterio Motiv Toyota Land Cruiser 6×6 and 6×4 to invade Land Cruiser Festival
    June 3, 2025
    Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
    May 9, 2025
    LDV (Maxus as Known in China) Makes a Bold Statement at Shanghai Motor Show
    April 30, 2025
    Upcoming OMODA C3 redefines the crossover with cyber-mecha aesthetics
    April 29, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new R 18 models
    January 22, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the BMW Concept F 450 GS
    November 5, 2024
    BMW Motorrad presents the new bikes
    November 1, 2024
    24YM HONDA NX500
    October 15, 2024
  • News
    NewsShow More
    Defender Trophy: An epic adventure challenge supporting Tusk. Are you made for it?
    June 20, 2025
    SMART SPENDING AND SMARTER DRIVING WITH JETOUR
    June 20, 2025
    Volkswagen Group Africa welcomes 540 youth through YES programme
    June 19, 2025
    JAC Motors launches limited edition T9 Hunter
    June 18, 2025
    Robots simulate a decade of seat usage to give JLR’s luxury vehicle clients the ultimate comfortable ride
    June 17, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    Audi unveils Q6 e-tron offroad concept
    January 28, 2025
    CITROEN PRESENTS C5 AIRCROSS CONCEPT
    October 15, 2024
    Lotus Unveils Theory 1:  The Future Of Intelligent Performance
    September 23, 2024
    First sketches of Škoda Enyaq RS Race
    May 3, 2024
    W16 Mistral: the art of bringing Bugatti’s ultimate roadster to life
    January 24, 2024
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    Volvo Car South Africa confirms third quarter arrival of new EX30 Cross Country
    June 17, 2025
    Special Envoy Launches XPress – SA’s First Full EV Courier Fleet
    June 11, 2025
    JAECOO J7 SHS debuts in South Africa with 90 km all-electric range
    June 10, 2025
    OMODA launches C9 PHEV in South Africa
    June 10, 2025
    Volvo Car South Africa reaffirms sustainability ambitions on World Environment Day
    June 5, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    Ford Performance Returns to Pikes Peak with Electric Super Mustang Mach-E Demonstrator
    June 20, 2025
    Sophomore Khan leads rookie Tate in Volkswagen Rookie title chase
    June 18, 2025
    TIGHT BATTLES AND CLEAR LEADERS AS GR CUP ACTION MOVES TO ZWARTKOPS FOR ROUND 4
    June 18, 2025
    DIVERSE AGENDAS AT CHEMICAL LOGISTICS RACING
    June 18, 2025
    VOLKSWAGEN MOTORSPORT MARCHES ON TO PRETORIA
    June 18, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    UD Trucks Southern Africa celebrates dealers breaking barriers at 2025 awards ceremony
    June 11, 2025
    HINO KUILSRIVIER ACHIEVES PRESTIGIOUS FIRST-TIME VICTORY AS HINO DEALER OF THE YEAR
    June 10, 2025
    NAMIB MILLS RELIES ON HINO FOR RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY
    June 4, 2025
    Volvo reaches milestone with 5,000 electric trucks sold worldwide
    April 29, 2025
    HINO ONCE AGAIN ANSWERS FARMERS’ CALL FOR HELP
    April 24, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    GWM LAUNCHES A NEW ADRENALINE-CHARGED SUV
    June 18, 2025
    THE NEW HAVAL H6 SUV IS HERE, AND IT’S BUILT FOR BIG MOMENTS!
    June 18, 2025
    THE NEW PEUGEOT E-208 GTi MORE PLEASURE. MORE GTi THAN EVER!
    June 17, 2025
    Discovery Sport gets new Metropolitan and Landmark editions
    June 11, 2025
    The Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+: Executive Performance redefined
    June 10, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Volvo EX90 LiDAR and smartphone cameras: What you need to know
    June 2, 2025
    Chery unveils AiMOGA: Revolutionising the car-buying experience through intelligent robotics
    April 24, 2025
    Volvo Cars uses AI and virtual worlds with the aim to create safer cars
    March 21, 2025
    Chery drives AI innovation with DeepSeek partnership
    March 3, 2025
    Stellantis Unveils STLA AutoDrive
    February 20, 2025
Hot News
Defender Trophy: An epic adventure challenge supporting Tusk. Are you made for it?
SMART SPENDING AND SMARTER DRIVING WITH JETOUR
Ford Performance Returns to Pikes Peak with Electric Super Mustang Mach-E Demonstrator
Volkswagen Group Africa welcomes 540 youth through YES programme
Sophomore Khan leads rookie Tate in Volkswagen Rookie title chase
Motosport

First historic victory for Maserati GT2 with LP Racing in the opening race

Latest News

LAND CRUISER PRADO ON SALE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Latest News

JLR REPORTS STABLE Q2 RETAIL SALES

Latest News

1,000 Volkswagen ID.40 for Siemens fleet

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Latest News

Climb, Crawl, and Conquer: Mastering the Essential Skills of Off-Road Driving

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: June 11, 2025 13:18
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
241 Views
10 Min Read
Share
10 Min Read
SHARE
  • Familiarise yourself with your vehicle’s capabilities including diff locks, drive modes and approach/departure angles
  • Adjusting your tyre pressure can significantly improve traction. Lowering it slightly when driving on sand or rocky surfaces increases the tyre’s contact patch
  • For owners of new Ford 4×4 vehicles, the Ford Adventure Club offers complimentary Level 1 Off-Road Training

South Africa’s rugged terrain, mountainous landscapes, and vast open spaces make it a paradise for off-road enthusiasts. From the winding Sani Pass in KwaZulu-Natal to the iconic Baviaanskloof trail in the Eastern Cape and the scenic Swartberg Pass in the Western Cape, South Africa offers some of the most exhilarating and challenging 4×4 routes in the world. With a strong off-roading culture and a passionate community of clubs and adventurers, the terrain is the ideal playground for both novice and experienced off-roaders.

Off-road driving, however, demands more than just a capable vehicle. It requires skill, preparation, and a healthy respect for nature. Whether you’re joining a local 4×4 club for a weekend trail or planning an extended overland expedition, understanding the fundamentals of off-road driving is crucial to ensuring safety, preserving the environment, and maximising enjoyment.

Essential Off-Road Driving Skills

  • Understanding Your Vehicle: The foundation for off-roading starts with knowing your vehicle’s capabilities and limitations. Familiarise yourself with your vehicle’s 4×4 drive capabilities (4H, 4L), diff locks, traction control systems, ground clearance, as well as approach and departure angles. The approach angle is the maximum angle your vehicle can climb or descend toward an obstacle without the front bumper hitting it. The departure angle is the maximum angle the vehicle can descend or drive away from an obstacle without the rear bumper scraping the ground. The Ford Ranger has an impressive front approach angle of 30 degrees and rear departure angle of 25,6 degrees – the latter is 23 degrees when a towbar is fitted. 

Available on certain Ranger derivatives such as the Tremor, Wildtrak and Platinum is an on-demand four-wheel drive system with 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L. This allows the Ranger to be driven in four-wheel drive on high-traction surfaces via its 4A (automatic) mode. When selected, the system continuously distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum performance in all on-road conditions. There’s also a two-wheel drive (2H) mode which disengages the front axle for rear-wheel drive only. 

The 4H setting locks power 50/50 between the front and rear axles while 4A engages four-wheel drive automatically when needed. In normal driving conditions, it acts like 2H (two-wheel drive), but when it senses wheel slip, it sends power to the front wheels. The 4H setting is great on gravel roads, sand, mud, or moderately rough terrain while 4L provides extra torque at lower speeds and is suited to steep hills and rocky terrain.   

Modern 4x4s often come equipped with advanced technology like Hill Descent Control and Terrain Management Systems. Certain Ford Rangers are fitted with a Drive Mode selector via the rotary dial, comprising Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl. The system automatically adjusts the throttle response, gearshifts, traction and stability control, as well as the steering and braking system to optimise vehicle performance to suit the terrain dependent on the mode selected.

The Ranger features an electronic rear-differential lock on all XL, XLT and Wildtrak models, which can be activated via the SYNC® screen or by the centre console button. A differential lock allows both wheels on a specific axle to turn at the same speed providing additional traction when you’re off-roading. The Ranger Raptor is equipped with a front and rear differential lock for extra traction.

  • Reading the Terrain: Every off-road environment presents unique challenges. Sand, mud, rocks, and steep inclines all require different techniques. Learning to “read” the terrain ahead, whether it’s assessing how deep a mud patch is or how loose gravel might affect grip, can be the difference between a successful climb and getting stuck. Ranger derivatives like the Tremor and Wildtrak X are equipped with the off-road SYNC screen with a 360-degree camera system that makes manoeuvring in tight spaces an absolute cinch. Also available on these derivatives is the new Trail Turn Assist feature. The system brakes the inside wheel when negotiating tight bends in off-road conditions below 19km/h, reducing the vehicle’s turning radius by up to 25 percent to help navigate around obstacles.
  • Throttle Control and Momentum: Gentle, steady throttle control is essential. The golden rule of 4x4ing safely is tackling challenges or obstacles “as slow as possible, as fast as necessary”. In many cases, too much power can cause wheels to spin and lose traction. Understanding when to use momentum such as driving in sand dunes and when to take it slow (such as descending a rocky slope) is key to safe and efficient driving.
  • Recovery Know-How: Even the most skilled drivers can get stuck. Basic recovery skills and equipment are essential; this includes knowing how to use a recovery strap, and where to find your recovery points. Never go off-roading alone; having another vehicle nearby can be a lifeline in tricky situations, and an extra set of hands to help dig the sand away is always welcome.

Top Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Off-Road Experience

Planning an off-road adventure? Before you hit the trails, here are some essential tips to help you stay safe, protect the environment, and make the most of your journey.

  • Tyre Pressure Matters: Adjusting your tyre pressure can significantly improve traction. Lowering it slightly when driving on sand or rocky surfaces increases the tyre’s contact patch, enhancing grip. Just remember to inflate them again before returning to the road.
  • Pack Smart: Always carry basic recovery gear (snatch strap, shackles, spade), a first-aid kit, air compressor, and enough water and food. A GPS, maps, and a reliable communication device (like a satellite phone or two-way radio) are also highly recommended, especially in remote areas.
  • Tread Lightly: Respect the environment. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging sensitive ecosystems and always leave a place as you found it.
  • Join a Community: Off-road clubs and forums are great places to learn, share experiences, and find adventure companions. They also host regular training days and events to help drivers improve their skills in a safe and supportive environment

Ford Adventure Club

For customers purchasing new Ford 4×4 vehicles, the Ford Adventure Club offers complimentary Level 1 Training. This course is included as part of the vehicle purchase and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The training is specifically designed for owners of Ford Ranger and Ford Everest 4×4 vehicles, as well as the Raptor.

The Level 1 training focuses on both theory and practical application with the goal to provide new owners with ample time in their own vehicle to navigate various obstacles, trails, and tracks. The training aims to impart the necessary knowledge about the vehicle’s modern technology and build confidence in its capabilities.

The course covers several key areas

  • Vehicle Technology: Explaining the off-road relevant technologies packed into the current range of Ford vehicles, noting that this technology is constantly evolving and improving.
  • Obstacle Identification: Focusing on understanding the vehicle’s dynamics and dimensions to better equip drivers in an off-road environment so that they can learn to correctly identify and approach different obstacles or terrain.
  • Practical Driving: The majority of the day is spent in the vehicle on 4×4 tracks and courses to apply what is learned in the classroom. Instructors are present to guide participants through obstacles, provide guidance, and help build confidence. Specific time is dedicated to highlighting key vehicle features in real-world off-road settings. The aim is for attendees to finish the day feeling confident in themselves and their vehicle.

Mastering the art of off-road driving isn’t just about handling tough terrain, it’s about building the confidence, skill, and understanding to tackle any adventure with ease. With this knowledge, you’re not just driving, instead you’re living the Ranger life to the fullest, ready to embrace every challenge that comes your way. To make a booking with the Ford Adventure Club visit the Ford Adventure Club.

TAGGED:FordFord 4x4 vehiclesFord Adventure ClubOff-Road Training

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow

You Might Also Like

Latest News

FORD PRO DOUBLES DOWN ON EUROPEAN MARKET LEADERSHIP WITH INTERNATIONAL VAN AND PICKUP OF THE YEAR AWARDS

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
November 23, 2023
Latest News

FORD, UNIFOR AGREEMENT RECOGNIZES, REWARDS EMPLOYEES

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
September 25, 2023
Latest News

New Ford Mustang GT Launching Soon In South Africa

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
August 29, 2024
Latest News

NEW FORD PUMA: COOL, CALM AND CONNECTED

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
February 7, 2024
Reviews

Cortina Changed Ford’s Footprint in South Africa

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 6, 2024
Latest News

NEXT-GENERATION FORD RANGER LINE-UP EXPANDS 

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 4, 2023

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Crafted by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2024

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner