Off roading isn’t something every driver gets up to. Only if you like to road trip, camp, wild drive, etc., will you need to own a car that lets you take the back fields and mountain roads without a problem. And if that’s exactly the kind of car your lifestyle requires, you need to know what you’re shopping for!
But just like a sports car purchase, you also need to find yourself a car that can be used around your neighborhood and local area without any problems too. And that’s quite the magical vehicle to set yourself the task of finding.
So we’re here to help. If you’re in need of an off road capable vehicle, here are the features you need to keep an eye out for. No matter your budget or size needs, if you look out for the elements below, you’ll find an off-roader that’s well within your price and space range.
A Four Wheel Drive
This is the one and only standard feature you need to be sure about. Without a four wheel drive, a car is not capable of going off road. Or at least, it won’t be capable of it for very long.
That’s why off-roaders are commonly known as ‘4x4s’. Every wheel has a powered connection that means it can be operated on its own, providing much better angle clearance, traction, and control when you’re on the road. Or off the road, as the case may be.
A four wheel drive is what helps you get over the sharpest, steepest bumps, as well as the stickiest and deepest mud. Without these precision, you won’t be getting anywhere.
Good Ground Clearance
Good ground clearance is essential for off roading with safety and ease. When you’re shopping around for a car that can get you down a snowy slope or up a rock crag, height is another factor you want to look for.
Take the Chevrolet Silverado as a good example here. It’s a great vehicle for wide ground clearance, and you could easily get on down to a Chevrolet Dealership and pick up a used model for half the price.
These are cars that last a long time, and won’t be smashing into any raised ground no matter how bumpy the ride is!
A Wide Gear Range
If a car has a four wheel drive, it probably has an equal four gear range too. But there are different kinds of four gear ranges that you need to be aware of: high range and low range.
Depending on the conditions you’re going to be plunging into, these ranges can make the drive easier and smoother. But not every 4×4 has both ranges in their gear system, so make sure you double check!
When you want to buy a car that can go off road with ease, make sure you ask about the features above and how they exist in the car itself. And always double check with a test drive first!