| Bakkies can be quite expensive, as they are large, | | | | Even though a bakkie is used for off roading, it is |
| heavy duty vehicles. Purchasing one can be like | | | | important that you utilise it carefully in these |
| fulfilling a lifelong dream for some off road | | | | situations. Never use your 4x4 beyond its abilities, |
| enthusiasts. Naturally, with the high cost of the | | | | as this can shorten its lifespan. When you buy |
| vehicle, you will want to maintain it so that it lasts | | | | your vehicle you should read over the user's |
| a long time, and is safe on and off road for years | | | | manual so that you are well aware of it's off |
| to come. | | | | roading capabilities and the type of terrain that it |
| First of all, you need to ensure that your car is | | | | is able to drive on. It is important that you |
| regularly serviced. People tend to try and ignore | | | | familiarise yourself with the techniques of off |
| their routine services, for fear of the added costs | | | | roading driving before you take the vehicle on any |
| that can be brought up whilst the car is being | | | | adventures. There are special techniques for |
| looked at by professionals. The point of the | | | | driving through large bodies of water, and ways |
| matter is that there could be a deeper underlying | | | | of handling your vehicle in this tough situation. You |
| problem that you are not aware of. Every service | | | | should know the exact depths that your vehicle is |
| is integral in finding small problems that could grow | | | | capable of traversing, and the angle at which you |
| bigger very easily. It is important to remember | | | | should cross the body of water. In addition to this, |
| that the safety of your vehicle can be | | | | you need to know what to do when you are |
| compromised if you do not service it regularly, | | | | driving through mud or sand, and how to handle |
| and catch any problems in time. | | | | your vehicle should it get stuck. Most 4x4s will |
| Next up, you need to remember to maintain your | | | | have functions which enable it to rescue itself |
| vehicle yourself, regularly. Have the tire pressure, | | | | from a difficult situation. Knowing how to tow |
| oil and water levels checked once a week. If you | | | | your vehicle and rescue it is imperative too. There |
| are going on a long off roading adventure, it is | | | | are usually different mechanical functions in a 4x4 |
| important that you have your vehicle checked by | | | | for driving on different terrains, such as tar, |
| a professional mechanic, always carry a spare tire | | | | rocks, gravel, sand, mud and water. This is why it |
| or two on you, and some tow rope. | | | | is important that you read through your user |
| A happy car is a clean car. Keep your 4x4 | | | | manual, and perhaps join a 4x4 community that |
| washed regularly, keep it polished so that the | | | | can help you with tips and techniques. You will also |
| paint job lasts longer. Every once in a while have | | | | be able to find out about fun off road adventure |
| your engine professionally cleaned. | | | | sites. |