If you are new to off roading then you probably have lots of questions about the activity. Although it’s a hugely exciting activity there are certain measures that need to be taken in order to remain safe and to keep your vehicle in tip top condition.

Have a look at some of these frequently asked questions to discover if you are following the off roading rules.

Should I follow a winch maintenance schedule?

The quick answer to this question is yes. Many winches are designed to be maintenance free but there are still several things you can do to make the lifetime of your winch longer.

• Check the wire rope for kinks and flat spots after every use.
• Rinse your winch after every off roading session, but don’t use a jet wash as this can cause damage.
• Power the rope all the way out and then all the way in. Performing this action will dissipate any moisture that might have got into the winch and will also heat up the drum and the motor.
• Get your winch inspected once a year to ensure that it is still working correctly.
• You can use electric or hydraulic winches.
• The maximum load that a winch can take is rated by the first layer of drum performance.  Each subsequent layer reduces the capacity by 25%. The amount of force also depends on the angle of pull.
• Most winches undergo rigorous safety testing but you should check for this before you purchase.
• It is possible to fit a winch yourself however it is a far more sensible option to have it fitted by a professional.

What about Safari Snorkels?

• It’s recommended to have your snorkel fitted by a professional. This usually takes around two hours.
• Even in the strongest of tropical storms only a tiny amount of moisture can find its way down a safari snorkel.
• Fitting a Safari Snorkel will not obscure driver vision in any way.
• Safari Snorkel’s are made from a special type of plastic called UV stable cross linked polythene
• Fitting a Safari Snorkel will not change and may even improve your fuel consumption

What are the differences between batteries?

• Deep cycle batteries perform differently to normal batteries. Many batteries that are used for 4×4 vehicles are designed to produce maximum power for a short time.
• A deep cycle battery can be used for engine starting.
• Many batteries can be charged with a solar charger or trickle charger.

For more off roading tips visit www.arbil4×4.co.uk