10 Essential Off-Roading Tips for a Safe Adventure

Ahmad Pervez is the founder of Dubai Off-Roaders Group. An IT entrepreneur during the day, he organizes regular off-road excursions in the desert every weekend with newbies, intermediate and advanced off-roaders.

Off-roading in its most basic sense may seem like an activity that can be enjoyed with family and friends in a light fashion. However, it is crucial to remember that during the course of a drive, the driver and his/her fellow companions engage directly with raw forms of nature. Any sort of solecism could result in a serious crisis or injury. Therefore, here are a set of 10 tips aimed at providing you with a safe and positive experience while you challenge nature.

Before the Drive

1) Be Over Prepared

Before entering the desert or a wadi, ensure you are well-equipped with the necessary supplies. An excess amount of water will neither affect your car’s power nor take up too much space. Basic essentials include:

• Garmin GPS
• Tyre Pressure Gauge
• Spare Tyre
• Tyre Inflating Pump
• Tow Shackles
• Tow Rope
• Shovel
• Radio (Walkie Talkie)
• Lots of Water
• Adequate Food
• Hydraulic Jack and a Base to keep below

2) Be Organized

Dumping tools and other equipment in the back of your car can lead to rattling noises and potential injuries if items fly around while driving. Invest in a few tie-down ropes from Ace Hardware to organize the back of your car effectively.

3) Maintain Your Car

When you are miles away from the nearest road without any signal on your mobile phone, your best friend will be your car. Ensure that it is well maintained with a full fuel tank and sufficient engine fluids. Check out our Maintenance Expert Sam Freij's article "5 Tips to Maintain Car Fluids".

During the Drive

4) Never Try to Defy Physics!

If your car is struggling on a dune sideways, always turn towards the ground and not towards the air!

5) If You Are Travelling in a Convoy, Ensure That the Car in the Rear is Visible to You

If the rear car is not visible, stop! This way, the car in front of you will be unable to see you and will halt, bringing the entire convoy to a standstill and ensuring no one gets left behind.

6) Don't Push It

Never try to stretch your limits to the extent where the car may run out of control. The younger generation tends to rely heavily on momentum while off-roading, often leading to high speeds in the desert, which can have fatal outcomes. If your expertise cannot take you up the dune, do not attempt to fly to the top.

7) Invest in a Quality GPS like Garmin

Don't opt for a cheap one from the counterfeit parts market and trust it for directions!

While Camping

8) Stay Clear of Hidden and Dark Places

These areas can be home to snakes or scorpions. Always check your shoes in the morning for such specimens before putting them on!

9) Learn to Start and Maintain a Good Bonfire

A bonfire will keep insects and other wild animals at a distance and may also provide warmth in cold conditions.

10) Never Wander Off Too Far Alone

Solitary walks at night away from the campsite are highly discouraged. It's easy to get lost in the wild, and it can be very difficult to find your way back!

Finally, the most important tip is to go out and enjoy nature! There is an amiable and serene feeling waiting for anyone ready to absorb it. Leave behind your iPod and connect with the veins of nature as you experience it!