When You Strike Dirt ...

WHILE most of us travel on tarred roads most of the time, there will be times when we have to drive on dirt roads.

These roads can present certain dangers to motorists, especially when it rains. So, knowing a few tips and applying them correctly can prove useful in handling your vehicle.

Mr Danie Hoffman, a Durban North resident who conducts off-road driving courses in South Africa and the rest of Africa, says whether you drive a 4 X4 or an ordinary vehicle, one of the first rules to learn is to "drive at the slowest possible speed and as fast as is necessary".

He points out that in wet conditions, the grip that tyres have on slippery surfaces is greatly reduced. You also need more room in which to stop.

"Ensure and maintain traction on all tyres. By having all four tyres touching the surface at all times enables better vehicle control, " Mr Hoffman advises. "Your tyres need to be in good condition, with at least three to four millimetres of tread to work properly in rain."

Mr Hoffman also does not believe that tyre pressure should be lowered when driving in heavy rain or on dirt roads, as some experts suggest.

"When tyres are softer, they hold the road better. For example, if you usually fill your tyres with two bars of pressure, drop it to 1.8 bars when you know you will be travelling on gravel roads," Mr Hoffman maintains.

The other view is that when driving in heavy rain or on dirt roads, the tyre pressures should not be lowered. It’s better to raise them by 10 per cent or so. Higher pressures also reduce the chances of sidewall damage by ruts and potholes.

Mr Hoffman’s other suggestions are:

• Braking: don’t brake harshly. It can lock the vehicle’s wheels, making it impossible for you to steer
• Surface colour: observe the colour of road surfaces. You can be driving for sometime on red soil only to find yourself suddenly on black clay. The nature of the soil impacts on the way your vehicle handles. So, adjust your driving accordingly. Being observant helps

However, many cars are fitted with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) that allow for hard braking without the risk of wheel lock. If the wheels do lock, resist the urge to brake harder. Lift your foot off the brake, get the wheels rolling again and the car pointed straight ahead, then gently apply the brakes, but softer this time.

But the real trick is to be a smooth driver on roads with poor grip. Keep a delicate touch on the steering wheel, accelerator pedal and brake, resisting sudden or sharp moves. In these conditions, quality tyres, sound suspension and all-wheel drive are helpful ­ but not infallible.

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