Vehicles need to be in a good running condition before going down the road. Yes, you already knew that, but there's a time that we tend to neglect some little details that can impede our drive. Getting stuck or broken-down in the great outdoors is much less convenient compared in the city. But if you want some adventure and you want to enjoy your prerogative, indulge.

For those who love an off-road adventure, four-wheel drive vehicles are most preferred. Although pick-up trucks and other vehicles that passed on a high ground clearance are often ok too. For now, allow me to give you some items that you may consider before indulging on your adventure.

Vehicle's fluid is very important. Make sure to have an appropriate fluid level and there must no leaks. Bring:

·         tire pump

·         safety

·         seal tire plug kit

·         car cover

·         shovel

·         fuses

·         jumper cables

·         jack

·         1 × 1 ft. piece of plywood to support the jack in soft sand

·         1 × 5 ft. roll of carpeting for traction in soft sand

·         test chain with hooks

·         duct tape

·         motor oil

·         1 gallon of water

·         transmission fluid

·         brake fluid.

You can also bring an extra gas in a can if your internal tank has insufficient range and bring some tools that are efficient in minor repair work such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and the likes.

The hoses and belts must be in good shape. Make sure that it has chunking, leaks, bulges, splits or unusual wear. Duct tape can be used to seal hose leaks. If you have spare belts, this will allow your vehicle to be driven the moment a critical belt breaks.

Also, the battery must be fully charged. Make sure that the specific gravity or acid density is accurate and the cells are full. Make no room for corrosion build-up.

Keep your vehicle's suspension tight and lubricated.

To help keep your internal temperatures down, make use of a car cover or window shade.

Keep your tires in good tread. It must have an adequate air pressure. Those tires that have thin tread are easily cut by sharp rocks. Your spare tire must also have an adequate air so that it can be a good replacement once it will be needed.

Protect yourself from being stuck. Off-road adventure requires some pairs. Your vehicle pair can pull you out of a ditch. By using the chain with hooks, being stuck will never occur.

Keep in mind that a rope is not recommended because it has a tendency to spring back and injure people that are standing nearby. Rather utilize a blanket draped over the middle of the rope or chain during the pulling out as this can minimize the spring back possibility. Chain has very nominal spring back compared to rope especially fiber rope and nylon straps. These kinds of ropes can really hurt people.

Once you get stuck and no other vehicle that can pull you out, dig the excess sand out from your front wheels. Compress the remaining sand down hard just in front of the wheels. Lay your carpeting in front of the drive wheels and allow the air out from your tire until it was half-aired. Keep your steering pointed straight and drive slowly. Do not spin the tires or it will dig deeper. If you see anyone standing behind your vehicle while trying to get out, send that person away or he or she might get hit by the items that are ejected on the drive wheels. Once you are out, refill the tires with pump.

Off-road driving is fun, but please drive cautiously.

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