Those who seek out the adrenaline rush while driving are probably familiar with the different styles of off-roading like rock crawling, green landing, or dune bashing which is found specifically in the Middle East.
Going on an off-road trip in the dunes of the Middle East is a whole new level of adrenaline surge. However, this trip requires high levels of awareness regarding the environmental conditions there, as it'll be very slippery and the driver might lose control or the dunes might keep changing.
So, to avoid this inconvenience when you are out in the barren deserts, we will be discussing the most important tips you must follow so you can go and return safely, on top of having the best experience possible.
Step 1: Preparation
Preparation is the number one key that ensures safety at all times, so in the following list are all core elements that must be checked before this journey:
● Find a suitable 4×4 vehicle for the dunes, as not all off-road cars can take on these sandy terrains, so they must be fitted with the right type of tires to avoid slipping, let alone the importance of a fully functioning cooling system to avoid overheating
● Fill up the gas tank, as this adventure will prompt the engine to consume much more fuel than usual, and if possible, carry an extra fuel tank
● Pack all the essentials starting from water, food to the first aid kit, along with a fully charged phone
● Check the weather beforehand to avoid unstable conditions of the dunes
● Plan your route before leaving to avoid any obstacles and save gas, and when you reach your destination, it's advised to explore the land on foot.
Step 2: Driving Tips
You're now ready to tackle the desert, so here are some major tips that you must follow in order to maneuver the car correctly and safely:
● Use lower gears: this will help to give the power and torque needed that will allow more controlled engine braking. Using the first and second gears will provide controlled speeds without losing traction and will help avoid sliding on steep ascents and descents.
● Adjust the tire pressure: drivers might find some sharp rocks, so it's advisable to lower the air pressure of the tires to avoid any punctures and have more traction, but make sure that you don't deflate the tires too much so the tire doesn't detach from the rim
● Watch out for trenches and gullies: approach such terrain with caution to align the car at a fixed angle so the tires will always stay on the ground the whole time
● Driving over a crest of a dune: always approach this part where the sand is firmer, which is the windward side of the dune crest
● Stopping: if you want to stop the car on a slope, make sure it's stopped in the same direction you're going, so when you start the car again, gravity will help guide the car down. Don't try heavy braking so the tires don't get stuck in the sand and use lighter braking instead
Lastly, the best time to go off-roading in the desert is between November and April, so be sure to drive across these dunes using the safest manners possible, so you can enjoy your trip to the max.
