A detailed guide for beginners to learn driving on sand

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When we hear "driving on the sand", we, first of all, remember the Dakar riders overcoming massive dunes. However, in reality, the first thing a beginner off-road lover will have to face is a sandy beach or a path to it.

If you're on a sand trip, check to see if you've brought a shovel with you. Traps (sand trucks) will not interfere either.

They can be replaced with planks. But, most likely, you will not take them because you are just lazy. But it's better not to even layout the tyre compressor, leave it in the trunk forever.

In almost any sand (except wet, tightly packed sand), the machine tends to get stuck. Therefore, before entering it, engage four-wheel drive and downshift. And even this may not help if the sand is dry and loose. In no case do not be lazy to lower the tyre pressure. Immediately feel free to choose a pressure of 1 atm.

Further, keep in mind the following. An essential condition for not getting stuck in the sand is low tyre pressure. By reducing it to 0.5 atm., You can drive almost like on asphalt, even disabling the four-wheel-drive (do not disconnect, do not). But when driving with such low tyre pressure, specific rules must be followed. The pedals should be used very gently, avoiding sudden acceleration and deceleration. Do everything smoothly and slowly, like in water. Turn the steering wheel at a slight angle and also very smooth movement. No bends with the steering wheel fully inverted. Otherwise, the tire will likely be disassembled, after which a fun walk along the beach will end with a long and painful wheel change.

If the sand is dry and loose, try to drive on virgin soil. Untouched sand always has less resistance than already loosened sand. Stay out of the rut. In a sandy track, the car immediately begins to scour and skid. But if you have already climbed, try to at least go "against", letting one of the ruts between the wheels. In any case, you need to move along the track with a stroke. The higher the gear, the easier it is. Of course, driving fast is easy but scary. Slowly - not frightening, but hard, the car gets stuck and shakes it. If the sand is damp and heavy, it is easier to ride on a knurled and compacted track. Determining whether the sand is wet or not is very simple: in damp sand, there are traces of tyre treads, in dry and loose sand - never.

Electronic assistants in the sand are more likely to get in the way. Especially anti-skid systems can cause you to fail when climbing, for example. When you need a little gas, the electronics will choke the engine and slow down the wheel. And the car will stop. Therefore, in sands, it is better to disable these options, if possible. If you get stuck in the sand, don't despair. Get out a shovel - and dig, dig, dig. The task is to remove excess sand from under the car to stand on its wheels and not lie on its belly. Study your vehicle from below in advance and remember where its lowest points are. It is from under them that you first dig out the sand. As soon as the car's weight moves from the bottom and suspension parts to the wheels, the vehicle can move. It may be necessary further to reduce the pressure or place ladders under the wheels. This requires a jack—one ladder under the jack, the second under the wheel. And if you forgot a shovel, work with your hands or improvised objects.

Do not forget to make sure your car is equipped with one of the best car tyre brands.

A separate topic is overcoming ups and downs in the sand. Whether it is an exit from a quarry or a drive to a dune or a dune, a sandy ascent can be taken only with acceleration, running. Stop driving if the vehicle loses speed and starts to slip because sand is that rare substance that you can get stuck in even on a relatively steep slope. Stop, put into reverse gear and back out. Try again, trying to accelerate the car better, or choose a shallower ride. Before going downhill, stop the vehicle on level ground and look at what is down there. Perhaps there is nowhere to go down and stop on the slope; you will not be able to go back. Always keep safety in mind.

KNOW ABOUT:

Reduce the tyre pressure to 1.0 bar.Engage four-wheel drive and downshift.Do all the man oeuvres smoothly.If the sand is loose, stay out of the rut. Driving on virgin soil is preferable.If you get stuck, dig. Also, lower your tyre pressure.Take the climbs only on the move.

If you are looking forward to going on a desert adventure, you can consider buying off-road tyres. Best car tyre brands offer high-quality off-road tyres which can endure tough conditions.