ROCK STAR

THE BEST TECHNIQUES TO SAFELY AND SUCCESSFULLY DRIVE OVER ROCKY TERRAIN

- DEAN MELLOR

WHEN it comes to rock driving, no matter whether you’re confronted by sandstone steps, limestone boulders, a river stone-strewn creek bed or a shaly hill climb, there is a common element: rocks are hard and unforgiving on your vehicle and equipment.

To drive in rocky terrain safely and successfully you need a capable four-wheel drive with plenty of ground clearance, appropriate traction aids and comprehensive vehicle-protection equipment. In addition, you will need to survey the terrain ahead and drive it with the correct technique, and carry appropriate vehicle recovery gear in case things don’t go to plan.

Here’s our guide to becoming a rock star.

THE RIGHT VEHICLE

WHEN it comes to vehicles that work well in rocky terrain, common characteristics include ample ground clearance, long suspension travel, effective traction aids, minimal front and rear overhangs, decent low-range gearing, an engine that makes strong torque from low revs and, most importantly, the right tyres.

Rocks are hard, abrasive and many of them have odd shapes with sharp edges, and these can be hell on tyres; so it’s vital when driving in rocky terrain that your vehicle is fitted with Light Truck (LT) construction tyres. Unlike the Passenger (P) rated tyres that many standard 4x4s come with from new, LT tyres have a much tougher construction, with multiple layers across the tread face and in the sidewalls, which makes them more resistant to damage driving in rocky terrain. Whether you opt for all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres is not so important for rock driving, but selecting an LT construction tyre is. You can tell the difference between a P-rated tyre and an LT tyre by looking at the markings on the sidewall.