4x4 Driving: Tips for beginners

It’s fair to say that most people haven’t tried 4x4 driving before, and the thought of it might even put them off a Southern Africa 4x4 overlanding trip. Well, when we started exploring the bush ten years ago, we didn’t have experience either! In reality, 4x4 driving is largely no different to your everyday commute. Sure, our Zulazula 4x4 vehicles might be a little bigger and bulkier than a VW polo, but the pedals are the same, the steering wheel is still round, and the wilderness awaits you. 

To get to the most remote places in Southern Africa, 4-wheel drive is recommended. 90% of your journey might be on beautiful tarred roads – unless you’re in Namibia or Botswana – but those last few kilometers can make or break your trip: you need to be prepared. Those prized campsites are hidden away, for only the most capable vehicles. 

Below we’ve gathered some of our best pointers on how to feel confident and capable in your 4x4 rental from the moment you set off. (Every booking with Zulazula comes with a comprehensive in-person walkthrough of the vehicle, and we cover the offroading elements in finer detail). 

Beginner’s guide to 4x4 driving 

1. Recognise the key differences 

Fully-equipped four-wheel drive overlanding vehicles are big beasts, for good reason. They are your home for your trip, carrying everything you could possibly need. In South Africa, that means bakkies (pick-up trucks) and SUVs. 

It’s important to remember your 4x4 rental vehicle is bigger and heavier than your normal car. It works the same, but you’ll need to be a little more vigilant when driving through busy towns and probably skip the tight parallel parking spots. Oh, and watch those low entrances into garages!

2. 2-wheel high, 4-wheel high, and 4-wheel low explained

The four-wheel drive systems on our fully-equipped vehicles need to be activated by a manual dial in the car’s cabin, next to the automatic gear stick. You have a range to choose from, 2-wheel high, 4-wheel high, and 4-wheel low. 

You will spend most of your time in 2-wheel high mode. This is the most suitable setting for road driving, like on highways. In our Ford Rangers, this powers the rear wheels only, and is the most fuel-efficient and stable mode for driving on tarmac. If your road is tarred and solid, 2-wheel drive will work just fine. 

4-wheel high mode, the central option on the dial, sends power to all four wheels via both axles. The wheels work together to improve traction. For moderate loose-surface driving, 4-wheel high is the right choice. On the sandy and gravelly roads of Southern Africa, 4-wheel high offers extra stability and confidence to the driver. 4-wheel high is also handy if you’re ascending or descending steeper inclines, where 2-wheel drive might slip, but low range is overkill. 

4-wheel low mode, or low-range 4x4, is the third option on the dial, and designed for the toughest terrain. Low range offers maximum torque and control in the most extreme conditions by reducing the speed of the car while maintaining high wheel force. If you find yourself stuck in loose sand or thick mud, or you need to navigate very steep climbs and descents, 4-wheel low if your knight in shining armour.

3. Tyre Pressures for 4x4 driving

Different driving surfaces call for different tyre pressures in order for the car to retain the most grip and control. For normal road driving, the 4x4 vehicles tyre pressures should be basically as the manufacturer suggests. In a heavier fully-equipped vehicle, tyres are pumped up to offset the weight. 

If you’re driving on soft surfaces like sand or mud, it’s a good idea to reduce your tyre pressures slightly. Less air will allow for the tyres to bulge slightly and offer enhanced surface area and traction. Don’t let it drop too much or you’ll risk damaging the wheels, but 0.25 - 0.5 BAR less than normal is a safe amount. The ride quality of the vehicle will also improve dramatically with a little air let out – those feared and hated national park corrugated sand roads will shake your teeth out if you’re not careful!

4. Keep your distance

Just like normal driving, you should keep a safe amount of distance between your vehicle and the ones in front of you, behind you, or next to you. Given the uncertain nature of looser road surfaces, you should always give yourself enough time and space to react to changes in terrain and grip. Sandy roads also kick up a lot of dust and if the wind is straight into you, this can mean driving blind when you’re too close. 

5. Know your limits

4x4 vehicles can take you almost anywhere, but they aren’t completely foolproof. Knowing when to stop, turn back, or seek an alternative route is important to keep in mind on your self-drive 4x4 adventure. We’ve been consistently amazed by the capability of our 4x4 Ford Rangers, but there are some things you just shouldn’t ask them to do. 

Ultimately you’re the judge and you should consider additional factors when attempting higher level 4x4 driving. If the risk is too high, or you don’t feel confident that help is available should something go awry, best to take the chicken run. 

6. Never Do’s for 4x4 Driving

There are a few big no-no’s for four-wheel driving in Southern Africa:

• Never leave the trail: specific routes are prepared for overlanding, and leaving the trail may result in environmental damage, car damage, and, in national parks, big fines. 

• Don’t change while driving: 4x4 systems are designed to be activated while the vehicle is stationary and you risk damaging it if you swap on the move. 

• Never use 4x4 on tarred roads: 4-wheel high and low range are designed for loose surface driving, and using it on asphalt and tarmac will damage the vehicles drive train

• Don’t engage low range at high speed: Low range is designed for slow, crawling ascents, descents, and escapes, and you will stress the engine at anything over 25 kph. Switch back to 4-wheel high or 2-wheel high once you’re free of trouble. 

• Don’t assume you can handle everything: Most four-wheel driving is manageable for drivers of all abilities, but certain routes and tracks are for serious enthusiasts. Remember your car is your home, and you should never bet the house. 

Zulazula 4x4 vehicle rentals

Our fleet of Ford Rangers are equipped with the latest 4-wheel drive technology to ensure our clients can get to anywhere they want to go. We offer a comprehensive walkthrough of the 4-wheel drive system with every booking, and are always on hand for general guidance and sticky situations. 

When it comes to 4x4 driving, we’ve done it all, and we are fully aware of the inherent joys and limitations of off-road explorations. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know when you pick up your fully-equipped 4x4 vehicle.