Off-Road Driving Techniques: How-To Guide - Ownership - Land Rover

THINK RUGGED DESCENTS AND BONNET-DEEP WADING ARE FOR EXPERTS? THINK AGAIN. WATCH THE FILM RETURN TO OVERVIEW

With good preparation and a bit of practice, anyone can off-road. A Land Rover is capable of more than you could ever imagine. My top tip is to know your 4x4 inside out before you set off.

JAMES NEWMAN

LAND ROVER EXPERIENCE DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

UNDERSTAND YOUR 4x4

Get a good mental picture of the underside of your vehicle. Know where the fragile parts are, such as the fuel tank, engine sump, differentials and gearbox.
MEMORISE BASIC STATS

Memorising some basic stats will help you deal confidently with off-road obstacles. Get to know your vehicle’s height and width, its lowest point, wading depth and key angles.
READ YOUR MANUAL

Understand your on-board technology and all its features; you’ll find everything you need to know in the manual. If you don’t have your manual, download it now.
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PLAN YOUR TRIP

Check terrain and topography maps online. Consider current and recent weather, and how it might affect the land. Always abide by the Countryside Code.

DRIVING ICONS

Icons aren’t born overnight. They earn their stripes the long way. All Land Rover drivers know this first-hand. We’re proud to have been part of their journey. Visit our vehicles page to learn about Land Rover 4x4 vehicles and start your own journey

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HILL DESCENT CONTROL IN MOTION

Land Rover’s patented Hill Descent Control (HDC) assists the driver on challenging descents by automatically maintaining a constant speed and applying brakes to each separate wheel where required, increasing the vehicles capability and keeping you in control at all times. Experience the system in action and tackle off-road challenges in our 360° video.

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ALL-TERRAIN PROGRESS CONTROL

Land Rover’s pioneering 4x4 technology All-Terrain Progress Control enables steady, composed progress across any terrain at the push of a button.

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DYNAMIC CAPABILITY

Terrain Response™ technology enhances capability and ensures the vehicle performs with poise no matter how challenging the conditions by optimizing the engine, transmission, differentials and chassis systems. Select the mode to suit the surface and enjoy the assured performance. Watch the Range Rover Evoque Convertible putting its all-terrain capability to the test.

OFF-ROADING SKILLS

Quick tips and techniques for dealing with off-road environments.

DRIVING THROUGH MUD

Engage Mud and Ruts on Terrain Response. Try to stay within existing tracks. Keep the wheels straight and use the information screen to guide you.

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DRIVING ON SAND

Engage Sand on Terrain Response. The key to crossing sand is to know how firm the surface is. You need to maintain momentum to drive over the sand, not sink into it.

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DRIVING THROUGH WATER

Try to work out how deep the water is. In static, shallower water, explore on foot and use a stick to gauge the depth - or watch another vehicle go through.

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DRIVING ON HILLS

Going uphill, approach the hill straight on and use the highest gear possible. Never turn the vehicle on a steep slope. Going downhill, engage Hill Descent Control.

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DRIVING ON ROCKS

Before crossing rocks and scree, get out of your vehicle and assess the risks. Select Rock Crawl on Terrain Response; this will engage low-range gears.

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DRIVING ON GRAVEL

Engage Grass/Gravel/Snow on Terrain Response. Gravel is a constantly changing, low-grip surface, so always drive at a slow speed.

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4x4 OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES

From Islay and The Faroes to unforgettable moments from the Discovery archives. These are the stories of our own Land Rover adventurers.

MEMORIES OF DISCOVERY

Intrepid adventurers share their greatest off-road moments in the much-loved Land Rover Discovery.

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DEFENDER FAMILY TREE

To mark the end of production, we drove a fleet of the Defender’s ancestors in its spiritual home of Islay.

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THE FAROE ISLANDS

Land Rover driver Moi Torrallardona tests the Discovery Sport across volcanic rock and green valleys.

OFF-ROAD ACCESSORIES

From lamp guards and mud flaps to full underbody protection, Land Rover Gear Accessories carries everything you need for your next 4x4 off-road adventure.

LAMP GUARDS

Aerodynamic in design and moulded from lightweight polymer, these lamp guards offer excellent protection from minor impacts.

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MUD FLAPS

Reduce spray and protect your paintwork from debris and dirt. Available for front and rear wheels, in various designs to complement exterior styling.

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CARGO BARRIER

Protect passengers against displacement of luggage on energetic drives. Available half height or full height, with optional loadspace partition.

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STRUCTURED LASER LIGHT TECHNOLOGY

Land Rover Innovation Lab is working on a series of “Advanced Sensor Technologies”. Structured Laser Light is a near future technology that will help Land Rover vehicles automatically adjust suspension to deliver comfort on any terrain. The car projects a grid of laser light onto the ground ahead; obstacles and potholes distort the grid and alert the system, leaving you to enjoy your in-car driving experience. Watch the film or visit the Innovation Lab to find out more.

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Find your nearest authorised service centre

DOWNLOAD A BROCHURE

View and download the latest Land Rover brochures

CONTACT US

Contact Land Rover whatever your query

BOOK A TEST DRIVE

Arrange an on-road test drive through your nearest retailer

GOING
OFF-ROAD WITH YOUR 4x4

UNDERSTAND YOUR 4x4

MEMORISE BASIC STATS

READ YOUR MANUAL

PLAN YOUR TRIP

DRIVING ICONS

HILL DESCENT CONTROL IN MOTION

ALL-TERRAIN PROGRESS CONTROL

DYNAMIC CAPABILITY