Driving your Landrover offroad takes practise, so do practise techniques first beforeyou need to use them in earnest. Don't take risks and think safety at all times.Make the most of an off road centre. Although there are environmental issues to consider when off-roading, on serious expeditions in other locations, vehicle safety may take preference over environmental issues. Your life may depend on it.

Driving Through Deep Water:

You should always check for submerged objects and underwater potholes, also whether the bottom is soft mud or a solid one . If you can't see bottom, walk where your left tyre will go and return by where the right tyre will go. If you've got air conditioning, turn it off. If water could reach the cooling fan, it's far better to switch off the engine and let it cool, then the electric fan won't start up when your in the water. The fan blades can bend in the water and damage the radiator if they're rotating.

Remember that sideways currents can affect the directional steering and your tyres act as floats, reducing the pressure your Landrover puts on the ground, making it easier for the vehicle to be pushd sideways.You are usually safe with water up to the hubs and probably the door sills.

Drive slowly and steadily, pushing a bow wave in front of you, this will create a lower water level inside the engine bay. Don't stop or accelerate through it and keep your engine running, if water gets in the exhaust it's very difficult to re-start. Check your brakes when you're out the water, putting light pressure on the brake pedal whilst driving for a short distance will dry both the brakeshoes and drums. Disc brakes will dry out more quickly.

If the water was muddy your brake drums should be removed and cleaned out whenever possible.When the axles are submerged water may be sucked in through the breather valve or oil seals as they suddenly cool. It's a good idea to let hot axles cool before entering cold water, changing the oil is much cheaper than changing the diff and bearings.

If you go deep water crossing intentionally, the breather tubes should be raised up above possible water level. Properly fitted snorkels are essential in deep water and all the electrics in the engine bay also need to be waterproofed . In an emergency with no snorkel, a radiator blind can be made from tarpaulin. This should stop the water from going through the radiator and guide it under the engine. Keep the tarpaulin clear of the wheels and avoiding the hot exhaust, tie it behind the engine bay securely,. If you stall the engine in water you will probably have to dry all the electrics before it will restart. Failing this you can move the vehicle forward or backward by cranking the engine in gear .

Driving in Ditches and Deep Ruts:

Make sure you know your vehicle's ground clearance and the location of its lowest points. Let the wheels follow their own route when inside a deep rut and avoid over steering. Grip the steering wheel lightly but be ready to take firm control if needs be. Ditches should be Crossed at an angle, never direct on. Before you try this technique, learn about your Landrover's approach and departure angles.

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