The essentials on your 4×4 for off-roading
Going on an off-road 4×4 adventure might be something you’ve been wanting to do for a few years. However, it is not with your vehicle as it left the dealership that you can go anywhere. There are some essential pieces of equipment that can come in handy or even save you in certain situations. Here they are.
Winch and sand plates
Getting out of a sticky situation like tires stuck in the ground can only be done by the traction of your engine. This is why it is important to install a 12V electric winch at the level of the front bumper when one of your wheels has sunk into the mud. If it is sand and there are no trees around, sand plates or recovery boards are more than essential.
Salvage boards double as shovels. If you can’t fit them under your tires, you can use them to dig around your wheels. Besides, you don’t need to drive a 4×4 or go off-roading to enjoy it. They work just as well in snow and on the road as in mud or soft sand.
Tire repair kit
Rest assured ! If you have a flat tire, you don’t need to take it apart, especially since finding a tire repairer would be a hassle where you plan to go. And even if you consider the fact that a flat tire is not the worst thing that can happen on the beaten track, it is one of the unfortunate possibilities that can happen to you. However, you can limit the risks by getting a tire repair kit. It’s not an alternative to a spare tire, but it will help you get back on the road and get to a place where you can repair and/or replace your deflated off-road tire.
Deflator and mini air compressor
The easiest way to improve off-road capability is to lower the air pressure in your tires . You will need a deflator in order to do this. Just watch out for rocks and other obstacles. The lower your pressure, the more likely you are to damage your wheels.
Of course, if you drop the air pressure, you need to be able to get it back up to drive on asphalt. A quality air compressor will be able to do this quickly. Look for one that connects to your battery with alligator clips. Those plugged into the cigarette lighter tend to blow fuses. You will also need an air hose that can run from your mini compressor to all four wheels.
work lamp
Getting out of a problem in the wild takes time. You should be prepared to encounter trouble after dark. A work light will allow you to see what you are doing when performing a repair or even just inflating your tires.
Toolbox
You will need a full selection of wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and other tools. Even if you haven’t considered repairing your car during your adventure, vibrations and bumps can easily loosen bolts. Having a full toolkit will allow you to deal with problems as they arise.