Off-road rigs are rugged by nature. Companies build them to withstand mud and sand. The vehicles can even tackle drives through high water if they have snorkels. But rain can throw off the toughest rigs and the most experienced drivers. Between the impaired visibility, slick trails, and flash floods, heavy precipitation is no joke.
But being caught in the rain happens to everyone, so you must know how to navigate the scenario. Our tips for off-roading safely when it’s raining will help you protect yourself and your 4×4.
Turn On Your Headlights
Turning on your headlights is a practice most drivers learn before they get their licenses. But this is even more essential when you’re off-roading.
Trails often have poor lighting and are shrouded with vegetation, making visibility tough enough without rain factored in. That’s why most rigs come with various off-roading headlights to help illuminate both the trail and the surrounding area.
Watch Your Speed
You must strike a delicate balance with your speed when off-roading. This is especially true in the rain. Naturally, you must slow down when it becomes wet outside. Otherwise, you’ll lose control of your vehicle. However, going too slowly may cause you to lose momentum.
When you’re trying to off-road safely in the rain, keep the phrase “slow and steady” in mind, with an emphasis on the word “steady.”
Let Air Out of Your Tires
Fortunately, most off-roading vehicles come with mud or all-terrain tires that can handle the mucky conditions you might find on the trails. But when rain is actively falling, even your off-roading tires may need a boost in traction.
One trick that can help you keep more rubber on the road is to let some of the air out of your tires. This will increase the surface area of the parts that touch the ground, increasing the traction.
Be Wary of Driving Through Water
As we said, many off-roading vehicles can handle deeper waters than the average car. When it starts raining, though, it becomes difficult to predict how deep rivers or streams are by looking at them.
If you must drive through deep water, get out of the vehicle and try to test the depth of the water yourself if it’s safe to do so. If it isn’t, see if you can find an alternative route. Otherwise, you may risk driving through waters that are too deep or fast.
