4x4
4x4 or Four Wheel Driving is probably my favorite sport. 4x4 has so many ways of variety, so many cars and so many tracks to have fun on. You can have fun in a totally stock (without modifications) or a fully decked out car. Like other driving hobbies, it is possible to spend a large amount of money on your cars, but there is still a lot of fun to be had with a car that is fairly standard. Some 4x4’s are referred to as a 4x4. 4x4 simply means four wheels that can drive.
I find that 4x4 is an ongoing hobby, because each weekend I can go to a different place, with different people and different cars. I find that having a 4x4 has opened my adventures tremendously, because I can now head right onto the beach for a snorkel and fish, camp a night with plenty of supplies (regardless of how heavy they are) and power! 4x4 is a truly awesome adventure, and you can modify your 4x4 to be more competent as you get more and more involved.
Most weekends I will try to get out and have an adventure in my 4x4. I own a 97 Hilux, with a small body lift and some bigger tyres. Each weekend is different; sometimes we will go fishing, others we go snorkeling or body boarding, and other weekends we go out with the sole purpose of 4x4 . In all honesty I have to say that 4x4 can become an expensive adventure if it gets serious. However, I am very glad that my options have been opened up. It’s so easy now to tow the boat onto the beach, launch it easily (without the worry of getting stuck), and go out for the day fishing, diving or wakeboarding.
Driving on the beach can be done by most cars that have 4x4. Even if low range isn’t an option, most cars will be able to drive along a beach. This in itself is an awesome experience, and an adventure I would highly recommend. It opens your options, creates a great day just driving in the dunes and on the beach.
When buying a 4x4, it’s highly important that you go through a check list and buy the 4x4that will support what you want to do. It’s a long experience to shop around, but take care when doing so. Below is a list of the things you should consider:
• What do you want to do with your 4x4? Do you need a ute for work, to store tools and timber in the back, or do you need a big 4x4 to fit the whole family in plus camping gear. Do you only want an economical 4x4 to drive on the beach, or a car which is able to comfortably travel the country, carrying everything you need? holiday is made considerably worse when you can’t fit in everything that is required. Consider where you want to go and what you want to do, because this determines the fuel capacity you need to have, the storage space needed, and how extreme your modifications are. Can you compromise so that you can have a weekend out in your 4x4?
• Decide on a budget for your 4x4. Don’t forget that this should include any modifications that you want to do, and the running cost each year. Often insurance and licensing is more expensive than a normal car, so bear this in mind. There is no point buying a 4x4 that is too expensive if you can’t afford to get out and experience the fun of 4x4.
• Do you want a diesel or a petrol or gas 4x4? All have their advantages, so do your research. Diesels tend to be more economical, and have better torque for towing a boat or trailer. Petrol’s are able to rev more, but use comparatively more fuel when worked hard. Gas is considerably cheaper than both diesel and petrol, but the tank size may not be big enough, it burns quicker and sometimes causes a loss of power. Once again, you limit your fun if your budget is overspent. These are all important steps in buying a 4x4, so don’t gloss over it.
• The next step is to do some research on the 4x4 that you want. What goes wrong with these? How do you find out if something is wrong with it? How long do the engines last for? How much 4x4 has this car done (generally a 4x4 that has been driven on the road for its whole life will be in better condition than one that’s been driven hard off-road). Has it gotten any rust? What modifications has it gotten? When you find a 4x4 which is under your budget, well looked after and what you are striving for, go ahead and buy it. This is the beginning of your new life hobby. Remember to take your time; buying a lemon of a 4x4 can mean being stuck for days in a remote area – not a desirable outcome.
• The next step involves any modifications which are to be done. This is a huge topic and will increase the places that you can get to because of where you can drive. A new stock 4x4 won’t be able to have much fun in the rocks, because it will bottom out easily, and struggle with grip. Some modifications for 4x4’s include differential locks, suspension and body lifts, bigger and more aggressive tires, spotlights, radios, cargo barriers and drawers, roof top tents, turbo’s and other engine modifications. This is often an expensive part, so consider how much you love 4x4 and your 4x4 sport before forking out big dollars.
• Learn how to 4x4. An adventure can go horribly wrong if you aren’t a competent driver. You need to be confident with what you are doing. Take an adventure tour or a course on 4x4 to learn what to do. It’s a horrible end to the day if you are stuck on the beach, and the tide comes in and ruins your 4x4. Not the experience that I want.
• Travel with another car if you’re new to 4x4, because completing a recovery is much easier if there is a second 4x4. It’s a great adventure to pull each other out, as well as it creates competition. Remember to be safe in your adventures; we don’t want anyone getting hurt.
Please ensure you carry the appropriate recovery gear, and have an understanding of how to use it. The amount of people I have pulled out from the beach who haven’t let their tyres down, don’t know what a snatch strap is etc is incredible. You will ruin your day if you’re not confident with the activity. Learn from others and take your time.
Ultimately for me, 4x4 is the best adventure activity that I have taken up. It makes my options so much wider, so I can enjoy other adventures each day. I have only had my car for about 6 months, and it’s been an adventure doing it up so I can get out there and find more adventures. Have fun, and get out there; you will love it.