Your Guide to Winter Off-Roading
Are you considering taking your vehicle off the beaten path this winter? Off-roading in the snow can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also should be handled with care. The last thing you want is to end up stranded, having to shovel your tires out of a snow bank or rely on another vehicle to rescue you. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself to tackle off-roading in snow!
Staying Safe While Snow Wheeling
The first thing you will need to do is plan ahead, as many trails are closed once inclement weather begins to take hold of the trails. There are multiple online resources and forums that can guide you to well-maintained and frequented trails. It is also highly recommended that you venture out with another person so that you can be towed out of sticky situations.
Once you are off the asphalt, you will need to recognize the types of snow that you will be traversing. Loose, powdery snow is the best, whereas compact or wet slippery snow can cause you to lose traction and end up spinning your wheels. Ice should be avoided whenever possible, as it is extremely dangerous to travel on uneven icy trails.
One technique to ensure that you have the smoothest and most secure ride through the snow possible would be to reduce the air pressure in your tires to provide more contact with the ground. The adage slow and steady wins the race also applies to snow-covered trails, and 4-Low is often the best gear to maintain a steady pace. Always stay on the marked trail, as carving your own path is a quick way to end up needing to be rescued.
Once you are off the asphalt, you will need to recognize the types of snow that you will be traversing. Loose, powdery snow is the best, whereas compact or wet slippery snow can cause you to lose traction and end up spinning your wheels. Ice should be avoided whenever possible, as it is extremely dangerous to travel on uneven icy trails.
One technique to ensure that you have the smoothest and most secure ride through the snow possible would be to reduce the air pressure in your tires to provide more contact with the ground. The adage slow and steady wins the race also applies to snow-covered trails, and 4-Low is often the best gear to maintain a steady pace. Always stay on the marked trail, as carving your own path is a quick way to end up needing to be rescued.
Items You Will Need
There are several resources you should bring with you before you leave for the trails. A shovel, winch, or other recovery gear to pull yourself out of an entrenchment, winter tires and traction aids to give you the best grip possible, and a radio or some other communication device just in case you need assistance are all must-haves.
For your personal safety, bring warm clothes, a blanket, and some food in the event that you need to stay in your vehicle for longer than predicted. It is smart to have an emergency kit in your vehicle throughout the winter, but it is even more crucial when partaking in more hazardous driving activities.
Taking on the deep snow can be a challenging task, but also a tremendous adventure. If you are in need of winter tires to get you through the chilly season, then stop by Hawk Chevy’s parts department, and let us set you up with the best tires available for your vehicle!
For your personal safety, bring warm clothes, a blanket, and some food in the event that you need to stay in your vehicle for longer than predicted. It is smart to have an emergency kit in your vehicle throughout the winter, but it is even more crucial when partaking in more hazardous driving activities.
Taking on the deep snow can be a challenging task, but also a tremendous adventure. If you are in need of winter tires to get you through the chilly season, then stop by Hawk Chevy’s parts department, and let us set you up with the best tires available for your vehicle!
