5 Important Things to Do Before Taking Your Car Off-Roading

Off-roading is a great way to challenge yourself and your vehicle, whether you’re trying to get to a specific destination or enjoy the idea of getting off the beaten path. But if you want to off-road safely, there are many ways to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the trip.

Here are five things to do to prepare before taking your car off-roading.

Planning Your Trip

The first big step is to plan out the trip. Map out where you intend to go, the routes to get there, and how long you’ll be gone. If possible, check out the area you want to off-road through to become familiar with the terrain.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Having a vehicle made for adventurous driving, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, doesn’t mean that it’s automatically ready to take on an off-road trip. Have a mechanic check over your car to make sure fluid levels are topped up and your tires and brakes are in good condition.

It’s also important to consider that most cars don’t have off-road capabilities. The Santa Cruz is Hyundai’s first Sport Adventure Vehicle and has an Activity Package specially designed to make travel in rough terrain easier. Keep in mind that a regular Ford may not be the best for your off-road adventure.

Supplies You’ll Need

No matter where you go, it’s vital to have the right supplies. Here is a list of the main things you’ll need:

• Food
• Water
• Cell Phone
• Flashlight
• Batteries/Portable Chargers
• First Aid Kit

These aren’t the only things you’ll need on an off-road trip, but the basics are essential for your health and safety. Any other items you need depend on where you’re going – for example, you may want a car jack in case of issues with your wheels on rough terrain.

Communication and Navigation

Once you’ve planned where you’ll go, how long you’ll be gone, and what supplies you’re taking with you, take some time to let others know where you’ll be and for how long. This way, someone other than you is aware of when to expect you back and can help find you if something goes wrong on the trip.

Make sure you have a quality navigational system in your vehicle. Good vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz will have expert navigation systems and a compass on their display to ensure you know where you are and where you’re going even while off-roading.

Important Extras and Information

Anytime you go off the beaten path, remember that more is better. Bring more food and water than you think you need, have extra gas and batteries or chargers on hand, and consider any possibility you can come across.

Checking the weather before heading out can prevent rain or snow issues, but bringing a jacket can still help you. The more you know and have, the better your off-road trip will be.

Whether you’ve been going off-road for years or this is your first time, it’s crucial to prepare for anything. You can’t go wrong by keeping these five tips in mind for taking your car off-roading.