Car Parts and Accessories

Snow is not a common occurence throughout most of Southern Africa, the only exceptions being the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho and parts of the Drakensberg, KwaZuluNatal. Off-road driving in snowy conditions requires the off-roader to make use of the same techniques as for driving on sand and mud. (more…)

It is important to cover these conditions together as they invariably occur together. Throughout most of Southern Africa, we are faced with fast-flowing rivers and streams that quickly become torrents during the rainy season. Mud invariably follows, and can be dangerous. (more…)

You are bound to get stuck at some time or other, so be prepared for it. Vehicles tend to get stuck mostly in sand or mud, although there are exceptions. I will focus here on techniques to recover your vehicle from sand and mud. (more…)

At one time, the market was flooded with cheap Chinese and Russian jerry cans. These cans were made from inferior metal that rusted easily and caused serious damage to engines because rust contaminated the fuel. It is therefore better to invest in the more expensive South African or German jerry cans. Even so, when pumping petrol or diesel over to the main tank, you should always cover the filler hose with an old nylon stocking to filter out any unwanted particles. (more…)

Mesh cover for the radiator No 4×4 vehicle should be without a mosquito metal mesh cover fitted to the radiator. On a Land Rover, it can be attached to the grill; on a Land Cruiser, a light frame into which the mesh is mounted can be added to the front of the radiator. Most other vehicles will use either of these methods to cover the radiator. The mesh cover effectively prevents grass seeds and insects from clogging up the orifices in the radiator. (more…)

Safety

There is a lever on the moving foot of the jack which reverses the body lifting mechanism. It points up for lifting and down for lowering. Never leave the lever in the down position with a load suspended on the jack. Only have it in that position when operating the handle for lowering. If the vehicle is knocked the jack could slip or work itself down the column, which is not only inconvenient but can be extremely dangerous as the handle will be thrown up and down by the weight of the load. (more…)

If you are planning to embark on an extended trip to Egypt through East Africa, it is advisable to opt for diesel, as petrol is often not available, of a poor quality or lacking in the additives to which engines in Southern Africa are tuned. Diesels are more economical in terms of fuel consumption. On the other hand, if you are going to drive around Southern Africa — South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe or Botswana — then either petrol or diesel is fine. (more…)

When deciding on a 4×4 vehicle, don’t be dazzled by all the extra features available. Consider the following aspects as well:

• Fuel consumption: The figure for fuel consumption in off-road conditions is sometimes difficult to find, as most motoring magazines give an average on tarred roads. However, there is a reason for this, as most 4×4s will spend 80-90% of their time in towns and cities. (more…)

In off-roading, there always comes a time when one has to face fear. There have been times when I have had that copper taste in my mouth. (more…)

Certain vehicle parts are more prone than others to breakage or wear in off-road conditions. The following are the items that tend to leave you with a problem.

Shock absorbers: Use only the shock absorbers prescribed for your vehicle, or heavy-duty, off-road shocks. Do not use those types which can be inflated.

Fuel tank: Always carry a fuel tank repair stick in case you get a hole in the fuel tank. If you do not have a repair stick, try to block the hole with Sunlight soap. (more…)

As with any specialist subject matter, terms grow and develop within it. Enthusiasts take this still further, creating ‘in’ words that few outsiders really understand. However, this need not be so complicated.

The transmission system

It is the transmission system of the off-road vehicle that makes it so distinct from others and gives it its versatility. (more…)

As in the descent, walk the proposed route first. It is useless driving to the top of a slope only to discover it is impossible to get down the other side or even turn round. Again, look for your best route, watching out for extra bumps or ridges which could throw you off course and sideways on the hill. Uphill, steering becomes a problem because of the transfer of the vehicle’s weight to the rear wheels, lightening the steering. (more…)

CROSSING DITCHES

Whether it is a ditch or just a deep hole that bars your route the essential precept is to keep three wheels driving. This can be achieved by only dropping one wheel into a ditch at a time. Always approach and cross at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, taking it slowly in a low gear. (more…)

The first of these is quite different from the rest and it is often the most difficult to cross, particularly when in the form of dry sand dunes. Sand requires flotation rather than grip on the surface. Normally one would not encounter this type of ground in any quantity; were you to do so, then sand tyres might be a safe option.

Lowering the tyre pressures is one way of dealing with soft ground. (more…)

Diesel engines

Vehicles powered by diesel engines are better than petrol ones for wading in deep water. This is due to their sealed fuel system and lack of electrics to make them fire. However, both petrol and diesel engines will suffer if water gets to the cylinders. This is especially catastrophic with the high compression diesel engine where water does not compress. This can damage either condors or crankshaft. (more…)

The depth to which you can safely wade will vary from vehicle to vehicle. To obtain some idea of this consult your vehicle handbook. Although you should try not to exceed the stipulated depth for your vehicle, most in actual fact will go through deeper water if really necessary. Ensure that basic waterproofing and wading plugs have been checked. (more…)

Although one can go to considerable expense to waterproof an engine completely (necessary only for long periods of total immersion), the general off roader will still benefit from keeping water out. It is a good idea to minimise the chances of water entering the electrics even when on road and with the knowledge of possible wading ahead a few precautions are essential: (more…)

When driving on the road it is essential for safety and economy to maintain the correct air pressures in the tyres as recommended by the manufacturer. Off road it may be necessary to change these pressures.

Consequently it can be easy to forget and drive on roads with under- inflated tyres. This can be very dangerous and the extra heat generated can cause excessive wear, ultimately causing premature failure. (more…)

The clutch is engaged and disengaged with the left-hand pedal. The pedal can be connected to the thrust race assembly by one of several methods: rod, cable or hydraulic.

Rod clutch

The rod method of operation is the simplest, as can be seen in the diagram. A steel rod is connected between the pedal and the clutch cross-shaft. When the clutch pedal is depressed the rod is pulled and the cross-shaft rotated. (more…)

It is designed so that the drive can be engaged and disengaged smoothly and easily. By disengaging the drive, the clutch allows the gears to be changed smoothly and it provides a temporary neutral position. This allows the transmission gears to be engaged or disengaged whilst the engine is running. (more…)