4×4 Tips

So, you’ve got a 4×4, but do you know how to use it properly?

Many of us don’t know the most effective way to use our vehicles – and that is why proper 4×4 driver training is necessary. Even if you have been on a 4×4 course before – it’s good to get your knowledge refreshed every now and then.

Here at 4×4-insurance.co.za, we encourage our clients to get proper 4×4 driver training, especially before venturing off-road. Learn how to get the best out of your 4×4, how to drive safely and conquer obstacles with confidence!

Following on from the previous article – Why Low Tyre Pressures? – here are some videos showing why lower tyre pressures are critical when driving a 4×4 offroad in soft conditions.

Firstly, the SA Adventure Land Rover – sponsored by 4×4-Insurance, going up a dune in Xai Xai, Mozambique with tyres inflated to on-road  pressures.

And then secondly, the same vehicle, going up the same dune, with tyres deflated to 1.1bar.

Notice the difference? Clearly, lower tyre pressure make all the difference.

If you’re going away in your 4×4 this holiday season to Sodwana Bay, please take note of this warning, which we have just received from our specialist 4×4 insurance underwriters:

An undesirable element of people are operating in the “Stop and Go” road construction area between Pongola and Sodwana. Their modus operandi is to jump on to the back of the boat or trailer and remove equipment and valuables.

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Please secure your equipment and keep your caravan doors and 4×4 trailers locked where necessary. Be especially vigilant if you are travelling with your 4×4 trailer, caravan or boat on that stretch of road… or any other stop and go area, for that matter.

If you’ve got a specialised 4×4 insurance policy from us at www.4×4-insurance.co.za, then you’re bound to have better insurance cover for your 4×4, and valuables than anyone else on that stretch of road, but still… why start your holiday with an unnecessary inconvenience? Keep your eyes open, be careful, and warn those travelling with you to watch out too.

And before you leave for that well deserved 4×4 holiday, please check the wheel bearings on your 4×4 trailers, caravans and boats.

Travel safely and happy holidays from the team at www.4×4-insurance.co.za!

It’s been a while since I posted something for our off-road readers, so here’s another of our “How to” 4×4 tips!

Have fun out there, and remember: look after our environment!

Courtesy of www.4xforum.com

Here is another reason why you should have real 4×4 insurance!  This incident was reported on in The Ombudsman’s Briefcase: Official Newsletter of the Office for Short-term Insurance (OSTI) December 2009.

In August 2008 the insured ran into trouble while crossing a drift on a dedicated 4×4 route on a farm.

His vehicle stalled some distance into the water – which was reportedly 75cm deep – and had to be towed to a place of repair.

A claim was lodged with the insurer to cover the cost of repairing the engine (which had seized) and water damage to the vehicle interior. “The insurer rejected liability of the insured’s claim for damage to the vehicle on the grounds that the insured had failed to exercise due care and precaution to prevent loss or damage,” reports OSTI. Was the insured’s behaviour ‘reckless’ as alleged by the insurer? And did he ‘wilfully’ expose the vehicle to circumstances that could cause damage?

The OSTI says the insured had been on a number of specialised 4×4 driving training courses since 1998. At the time the incident occurred the insured was traveling in convoy with a friend who drove an identical vehicle. And both drivers carefully inspected the drift before concluding it could be “easily traversed.” The insured also took additional steps to traverse the obstacle safely, by setting his vehicles suspension as high as possible.

Although the client in the article did eventually get his claim paid, it would have taken many weeks and probably months of arguing with the insurer and  explananing the situation to the ombudsman.

It would have been far smarter, I reckon, to have a proper 4×4 policy from the start. One that specifically covers water damage. Real 4×4 insurers know what real 4×4 drivers do. And real 4×4 insurers are most unlikely to go around rejecting water damage claims based on the idea that the driver was reckless and negligent by driving through water that he (an experienced 4×4 driver) had carefully inspected prior to crossing.

Read the rest of the article here on FA News.