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STARTING AND OPERATING 167
ance. You should never attempt to cross flowing
water which is deeper than the vehicle's running
ground clearance. Even the slowest current can
push the heaviest vehicle downstream out of
control if the water is deep enough to push on
the large surface area of the vehicle's body.
Before you proceed determine the speed of the
current, the water's depth, approach angle,
bottom condition and if there are any obstacles,
then cross at an angle heading slightly
upstream using the low and slow technique.
AIRING DOWN FOR OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Running lower tire pressure off-road can improve
your ride comfort and vehicle traction. Reducing
the tire air pressure allows the tire to bulge slightly,
improving its surface area for better flotation and
ability to mold or form to the ground contour.
Different terrain, tires, and vehicles require
different tire pressure. Hard surfaces like rock and
heavier vehicles require higher pressures than
softer surfaces such as sand and lighter vehicles.
You will need to experiment to determine what is
right for your situation. It is easier and faster to let
air out than it is to replace it. Start high and lower
it as required. Remember you must return the tires
to normal air pressure before driving on road or at
highway conditions. Be sure you have a way to
return the tires to their normal on road air
pressure.
VEHICLE RECOVERY
If you drive off-road, you may encounter a situation
where you will need to recover your vehicle. Vehicle
recovery should always be given consideration
before attempting a questionable obstacle. You
should never go off-road driving without the ability
to recover your vehicle from a situation. Having
another vehicle with you usually works best for
most situations. The first thing to do is assess the
situation. Why are you stuck? Are you hung up on
something? Would it be easier to go forward or to
go backward? Can you still move the vehicle? Is
there an anchor point to winch to? Are you alone or
do you have another vehicle to help? Is there high
risk of vehicle damage during the recovery
process? Answering these questions will help you
determine the best method of recovery. If you can
still move the vehicle slightly and the only issue is
slick ground, then rock cycling your vehicle would
be the first choice. If you have ample room, an
additional vehicle and there is low risk of vehicle
impact on the surroundings, then using a tow strap
to the vehicle tow hooks would be fast and easy. If
the vehicle is severely hung up or in a situation
where great care needs to be taken during the
recovery, then nothing can do the job better than a
winch. If you are severely hung up on something
you should jack the vehicle up and stack
something under the wheels to allow the vehicle to
roll off the object without causing further damage.
This should be tried before attempting any
recovery method.
Rock Cycling Your Vehicle – Rock cycling your
vehicle is one of the easiest, fastest and most
commonly used methods. This simply involves
shifting your vehicle from DRIVE to REVERSE,
while applying throttle after each shift. During
WARNING!
Never drive through fast moving deep water. It
can push your vehicle downstream, sweeping it
out of control. This could put you and your
passengers at risk of injury or drowning.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressure increases the risk of tire
damage and may cause tire unseating with total
loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure,
drive at slower speeds and avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers.
CAUTION!
Pulling the vehicle off an obstacle, without first
clearing the object, may result in additional
underbody damage.
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