The Victoria Napolitano Bookstore THE DRIVING COMPANY WORKBOOK | Page 17

CLEARANCE
Know how much clearance you have under your ve-
hicle. Usually, your differentials are the lowest part.
Know whether they are offset to one side or in the
middle of the axle. If you encounter a rock or other
obstacle in the trail that is higher than your differ-
entials, consider going around it, or drive over it by
putting your wheels directly on the obstacle.
Use the increased clearance of your 4WD to your
advantage, but if it appears there is not enough
clearance, carefully pick a course of travel that puts
your tires on the high spots. Make certain that when
your wheel drops off the object you have enough
clearance from the rocker panels. The objective is
to smoothly cross the obstacle without scraping any
part of the vehicle.
WASHBOARDS
Roads with washboards can be brutal on your nerves and your equipment. A washboard is caused by the
slight slipping of wheels under torque or braking, which causes small ridges in the dirt. Driving at high
speeds can be very dangerous. Driving faster over it might feel smooth, but this is because the tires are
skipping from ridge to ridge. It will eventually feel like you are driving a hovercraft and can cause loss of
control.
You may find a speed that is fast and smooth, but driving like this for long periods or on a routine basis
will eventually vibrate your vehicle to pieces. You also dramatically increase your chance of tire failure.
Slower speeds will help you maintain traction and will be a lot easier on your vehicle. Remember, mechan-
ical sympathy!
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