HOW TO DRIVE OFF-ROAD
Off-road driving is adventure driving. Brush up on the techniques and strategies for effective off-road driving with Range Rover, Defender and Discovery. Take advantage of innovative technologies and special driving modes. Read tips to improve your performance, help minimise risk and enhance your adventure no matter the path.
OFF-ROAD TECHNOLOGY
The advanced off-road technology integrated into every Range Rover, Defender and Discovery sets them apart. The Terrain Response system adapts settings to suit the ground conditions, while All-Terrain Progress Control maintains a steady speed in challenging conditions and make best use of available traction and maintain optimal control.
The Terrain Response Modes include:
- Grass/Gravel/ Snow mode for when the ground is fairly firm but has a loose or slippery surface such as grass, gravel, snow or ice.
- Mud Ruts Mode mode for muddy, deeply rutted, soft or uneven ground.
- Sand Mode is used to cross soft, dry, sandy ground into which the wheels can sink easily such as dry beaches, dunes, and deserts.
- Rock Crawl Mode used to cross solid undulating terrain such as boulders, which need high levels of suspension movement and careful vehicle control.
- Wade Mode needs a tweak - Wade Mode prepares the vehicle and supports the driver when entering bodies of water both on and off road.
- Auto Mode uses a variety of vehicle and environmental inputs to determine the most appropriate driver mode for current conditions.
OFF-ROAD SURFACES
Every terrain presents a unique challenge when off-roading. Understanding the characteristics of mud, sand, gravel, and other surfaces is crucial for effective off-road navigation. Range Rover, Defender and Discovery are designed to excel when driving across these difficult surfaces, with tailored driving modes that optimise performance and maintain traction.
DRIVING THROUGH MUD
Driving in mud requires careful control and the right approach to avoid getting stuck. Mud Ruts Mode optimises wheel control for traction, ensuring drivers can confidently traverse muddy trails. The Terrain Response will automatically raise the vehicle to an optimum height. Make sure you know where your front wheels are pointing, try to keep your lowest point clear of the ground at all times, maintain momentum and use low gears.
DRIVING ON SAND
Sand driving demands smooth acceleration to avoid the tyres sinking into the soft surface. Sand Mode adjusts throttle response to support this and adjusts the Dynamic Stability Control of the vehicle to prevent unwanted vehicle interventions, facilitating exhilarating drives on desert dunes. When off-road on sand, consider lowering your tyre pressure (20psi / 1.4Bar minimum) to create a greater surface area. If you need to park in sand, try to do so on a downward slope. This will help you when you pull away and reduce the risk of getting stuck.
DRIVING UPHILL
When driving uphill, maintaining traction and managing ascent speed is vital. Electronic Traction Control will help reduce wheel spin and help you to keep moving. If your wheel starts to spin, ease of the accelerator until you feel the tyres regain grip. It's important to keep the wheels rolling. When you need to go back down the hill, the Hill Descent Control (HDC) feature assists in maintaining vehicle control on descents.
DRIVING ON GRAVEL
Gravel roads require cautious speed management and steering control. When facing this challenge, select Grass/Gravel/Snow mode to deliver a softer throttle response aiding traction and stability. Use the highest gear possible for the conditions. Make sure to leave a generous gap between your vehicle and others to help reduce the risk of damage from debris ejected by the tyres.
4X4 OFF-ROAD
The 4x4 credentials of Range Rover, Defender and Discovery are well known, offering unparalleled control and capability in off-road settings. These vehicles are equipped with features like low-range gearing*, active differentials and responsive suspension systems, enabling adventurers to tackle the most challenging terrains with confidence.
The 4x4 credentials of Range Rover, Defender and Discovery are well known, offering unparalleled control and capability in off-road settings. These vehicles are equipped with features like low-range gearing*, active differentials and responsive suspension systems, enabling adventurers to tackle the most challenging terrains with confidence.
PREPARE FOR YOUR OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES
Challenging off-road driving requires full training and experience. Risk of injury and damage. Never drive beyond your abilities.
*Rock Crawl and Wade Mode only available on selected vehicles.
†Low range gearing is available on selected vehicles.