Off-Road Driving Tips on Sand
“Go fast over sand, go slow through water.” When driving on sand, don’t follow the vehicle in front too closely—releasing the throttle has a braking effect, so never brake unnecessarily, or you’ll suddenly feel the horizon rise. If you do get stuck, and if the vehicle is light and there are many people around, try pushing or lifting it a few times. Usually, vehicles can't get out because of low tire traction and the formation of a dead-angle "hinge" between the tires and sand, resulting in excessive resistance.
“Don’t go on sand with a light vehicle.” If you’re driving an Alto loaded with two cases of bottled water, a barbecue grill, two adults, and a dog for a joyride on the sand, the chances of not getting stuck are nearly zero. Therefore, before venturing onto sandy terrain, make sure you know what you’re doing, observe the terrain carefully, and if you’re unsure, don’t drive down onto the sand lightly.
Self-Rescue Methods for Getting Stuck in Sand
Before discussing self-rescue methods, let’s address a common misconception about preventing getting stuck. Some people follow theoretical advice to let some air out of their tires, but this depends on the specific situation. In non-extreme cases, this is not recommended. Additionally, some vehicles, unlike off-road models, experience a significant drop in ground clearance when deflated, making them very prone to bottoming out; prolonged tire deformation also poses safety risks.
Now, getting back to the point—typically, when dealing with soft sand, use a shovel if you have one; if not, cut open a beverage bottle at an angle to create a makeshift shovel. First, dig away the sand in the direction the wheels are meant to move, creating a slope, then straighten the steering wheel. Whether pushing or towing the vehicle, this makes the process much easier. It’s best if the driver is experienced and skilled in managing the throttle and clutch.
When towing, be sure to proceed with caution: first, have the tow vehicle slowly start moving to tighten the tow rope, then keep people away from the tow rope. Preferably use thick nylon ropes or fire hoses rather than thin steel cables sold in supermarkets. If using more than one thin steel cable, it’s best to wrap them with towels or bundle the strands together, and cover the hook ends with pieces of cloth like old clothes.
Arabs often venture deep into uninhabited deserts alone, so their self-rescue methods are also worth learning from: turn the steering wheel back and forth, using the S-shaped motion of the tires to gradually let sand flow beneath them, thereby lifting the chassis; or, if there are many companions, have everyone stand on the vehicle’s foot pedals around the car, cooperating to rock the vehicle—again using the sand to escape its grip. This method consumes a lot of energy and isn’t particularly effective for every type of vehicle.
Aside from the above scenarios, if you’re visiting the seaside, try not to let your vehicle come into contact with seawater. Regardless of whether you have anti-corrosion coating, seawater is highly corrosive to the chassis. Without experienced individuals or well-maintained vehicles leading the way, avoid going into the desert alone—you might get stuck every three meters.