How To Overcome Rough Roads With Your Car

Although most of us have no difficulty in driving on good roads, a few people can drive on rough roads with ease. This is because on rough roads, you will need certain tips and skills in order to maneuver your car. IndianAuto would like to introduce the best tips for different types of rough roads in this informative article.

1. Why you must be extra careful when driving on rough roads

Truth be told, the way you drive your car is one of the best maintenance methods, especially under harsh conditions. And, indeed, it’s never an easy task to control your unbalanced car because of rough roads. Rough roads do not only affect the balance of your car, but they also accelerate tyres and suspension wearing process. To be more specific, rough roads make the tyres receive the brunt of the damage, and, consequently, this will result in tyres with less frictional or easily deflated.

Rough roads can easily damage your tyres and suspension

Besides the tyres, the suspension is another part of your car recieve great damage from rough roads if not driving properly. At the time you wonder if your tyres need repairing or replacing, read this to know what to do with them.The suspension system accounts for the ability to balance of your car. However, keeping driving on roads under poor conditions will wear the suspension faster. When your car starts to bounce or sway abnormally, more or less frequently, it’s time to have the suspension checked and fixed or replaced if necessary.

Also read: Common Causes Of An Leaky Tyre

2. Know the type of your car’s wheel drive

One of the most important features of your car that you have understand is whether it has a front wheel drive, a rear wheel drive, or a four-wheel drive. When you master in controlling the wheels, things would be more easier to handle even in different road conditions. Furthermore, when moving on road with huge potholes or a lot of mud, the better your controlling skills over the wheels, the more chances for you to get out of them.

For example, if your car have a front or rear wheel drive, it is better to stay away from primitive roads which are full of sand and stones. Those tiny matters will damage the tyres because of excessive pressure laid on only two wheels. On the other hand, if the vehicle has a four wheel drive, it would be easier for you to drive, and you can have all the handling flexibility you need.

2. Consider if modification is necessary for your car

An off-road vehicle is the best match to conquer rough roads

If you frequently drive on rough roads, but your car is not an off-road vehicle, little to much modification will be helpful. As you may know, off-road vehicles are excellent candidates for driving on and off paved or gravel surface. They are generally characterized by having huge tyres with deep and open treads, and a super flexible suspension. Adjusting some features on your car such as the suspension or tyres will not only improve its efficiency but also create an exciting driving experience. You can also try upgrading shocks to let the driver and passengers feel less bumpy.

3. Bring along an emergency tool kit.

Driving on rough roads underlies hidden danger, so it is crucial to carry specific tools in order to cope with emergency situation. Here are some of the most helpful things you need to bring along:

• Vice grips

• Screwdriver which has changeable bits

• Work gloves

• Spark plugs

• Light bulbs and fuses

• An old towel or rags

• WD40

• Extra fluids ( coolant and oil) for supplying your vehicle

• Electrical Tape

• First-aid kit

Read more: Car Emergency Checklist

4. Drive where doesn’t have potholes

Try to avoid potholes, so your car and its passengers can be safe

In fast lanes, heavy trailers usually move in the right lane and they, as usual, cause a lot of potholes and cracks. Therefore, you should drive in the left lane which is often in better condition.

5. Drive slowly on rough roads

On rough roads, driving slowly will give you more time to react with sudden hazardous situations, which can save your life.

6. How to drive when there are animals on the road

Animals on the roads often make drivers get mad

Many people often get astonished when an animal or a flock of poultry surprisingly appear on the road. However, they are not too problematic, you can learn these following tips to solve them:

• When you approaching some birds, they will just fly away. Therefore, drive like there isn’t any existence of them.

• Cows, and similar livestock are big and slow, so you may want to slow down and waiting for them to slowly move away.

• If you are unlucky, you can face unpredictable animal like rabbits and monkey. Go slow and carefully try not to hit them; surely, you don’t want to have an accident.

• If there is a group of animal, all you can do is stopping your car and waiting them to pass although this may take ages.

7. What to do when driving through ponds or flooded areas

If you think your car can make it through the water, drive through it with all the bravery you have

Standing water is extremely dangerous in some cases because it is usually deeper than what your eyes see, especially, when they a road has a lot of potholes. Before making the decision to cross the water, make sure your car can really make it. As a matter of fact, if the water enters into your car’s exhaust pipe while “surfing” the flooded road, the car will undoubtedly stop working, and, in the worst case, you must have your car fixed after being in the middle of the water for minutes to hours. One tip for you if the water actually gets into the pipe is that you should leave the car, not try to crank, and get the car towed and pumped out.

8. Talk to the locals

Whenever you try to explore a new destination where might be mountainuos or have a lot of dangerous roads, it is better to have a chat with the local people as soon as you get there. They will provide you with useful information such as where to go and not to go or what you should have in case of facing dangers. Furthermore, while on the road, pay attention to signs and travel safety tips on large boards of the area you are traveling to. Also, try doing some google search  to get insights of the place, and if you find none of helpful information, the car rental place might have some to share.