|
The type of car I like the most have always been off-road cars.
An off-road vehicle is usually a 4-wheel drive car, often referred to using the acronyms 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) and 4x4 (where a normal 2-wheel drive car would be referred to using the acronym 4x2).
The characteristics of a 4x4: 4-wheel drive, low-range transfer box for extra torque and engine braking (when needed), lockable differentials, sufficient ground clearance and wading depth, long-travel suspension which gives good axle articulation, good approach- and departure angles, good ramp break-over angle, a solid construction, a powerful engine with a lot of torque available at low revolutions and the right tyres designed to be used in the type of terrain at question. These characteristics enables the car to handle steep gradients, deep mud, sand and snow and towing heavy loads. And of course four wheel drive will also give a better grip on a slippery or loose surface.
Off-road vehicles might also have six wheels (6x4 or 6x6 depending on whether four or six of the wheels are driven) or eight wheels, all of which are usually driven (8x8) - but these vehicles are rarely seen.
A real off-road car should not be mistaken for the so called soft-road cars, that looks like the real thing but would never be able to handle any serious off-road driving.
If you own a 4x4 you have to be aware that driver knowledge is all important. You have to achieve real knowledge, gained by practise, in order to be able to take full advantage of the potential the car have to offer.
If you know what you are doing the car will be able to take you everywhere, traversing seemingly impossible terrain - it can do things most people can't really grasp and most 4x4 owners never takes full advantage of. But if the driver lacks knowledge or uses the wrong tyres a 4x4 might also get stuck on a flat field on wet grass (or in a moderate coat of snow).
I have owned my share of 4x4 cars, and I'm really enjoying to drive the cars in rough terrain or use them for towing.
|
