{"id":49539,"date":"2023-06-09T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-09T00:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=49539"},"modified":"2023-06-09T08:14:27","modified_gmt":"2023-06-08T22:44:27","slug":"4wding-in-the-wet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/4wding-in-the-wet\/","title":{"rendered":"4WDing in Wet and Wintery Conditions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Sand<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


Sand is a pretty reliable driving medium\u00a0year-round.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter means rain, mud, and a substantial drop in temperature. 4WDing in the middle of the pouring rain, or afterwards, is often a lot of fun – but there are a few things you should know before taking off. The difference between 4WDing in the dry and doing so in the wet is significant, and it’s easier to end up in strife than one might realise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are lucky enough to have access to a 4WD, you\u2019ll know that winter is also a fantastic time to get out and explore some of Australia\u2019s best 4WD tracks. However, it\u2019s important to do so with some common sense and caution…<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The difference between 4WDing in the dry and doing so in the wet is significant<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you Allowed to be There?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first and most important consideration is whether you are actually allowed to be on the 4WD track, or even the gravel road you’re hoping to reach. There are many tracks in Australia that close after rain to both ensure drivers’ safety and preserve the tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are caught driving along closed tracks, you could face a fine of up to $1000 a wheel – which becomes very expensive in a 4WD. Do the right thing and stick to the tracks you are allowed to be on. If you’re unsure, phone the relevant authorities before heading off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving on tracks or roads that are supposedly off-limits can also cause extensive damage, and could see you stuck there for days!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expect to get Bogged!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tracks become a LOT more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven’t driven too much through mud or on slippery surfaces, it\u2019s hard to explain just how much harder 4WD tracks become after rain. Tracks can change completely even after a little rain. It doesn\u2019t take much to turn a mild 4WD track into a slippery, muddy slop-fest \u2013 which will provide zero traction! In muddy conditions, I\u2019ve seen people get bogged in a 4WD even on a flat surface, purely because their tyres were unable to gain traction. You might laugh, but even twin-locked vehicles with mud terrain tyres become stuck on fairly level tracks with lots of clay; it’s simply too slippery. Add in a slight gradient and some holes, and the difficulty level of the track goes through the roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019ve been out plenty of times in wet conditions, except that there\u2019s a much higher chance of getting bogged! As long as you are prepared though, it\u2019s not the end of the world. It\u2019s all part of the adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Driving on tracks that are supposedly off-limits can cause extensive damage, and could see you stuck there for days!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, you might approach a rocky hill climb that you\u2019ve conquered a million times before – but with enough rain and mud around the track, it can be significantly harder to traverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing how much harder a particular track is after rain becomes critical for making educated decisions. You need to know when it’s safe to give it a try, and when it’s better to turn around. In the southwest of WA, we have many 4WD tracks that get so muddy and slippery after a lot of rain that they’re unsafe to drive along. The wheels can slip, and the vehicle starts to pick up speed all the way to the bottom… which can end very badly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some tracks don\u2019t change too much, especially if they mainly consist of sand. On the other hand, if there\u2019s rocks, mud, or potential for water pools to form, you should be very cautious!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

With enough rain and mud around, a rocky hill climb can be significantly harder to traverse.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snatch Straps are NOT Suitable for Badly Bogged 4WDs!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever been stuck in the mud, you\u2019re likely aware of the level of suction it applies to your 4WD. A snatch strap<\/a> is fine if the vehicle is only a little bogged \u2013 but once we start talking mud over the height of your axles, you need to reconsider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snatch straps work by releasing kinetic energy to pull a bogged 4WD free. The problem is that a badly bogged car in mud will often apply more force than what your snatch strap will handle, and you will end up with a snatch strap smashing through your window. Not fun, nor safe \u2013 so stick to recovery boards and\/or a winch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proceed with Caution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do get stuck, take your time, think about the recovery, and do it safely. Too many people have been killed or badly hurt from 4WD recoveries gone wrong. The last thing you want is to ruin a good day out! Check out my piece on 4WDing Australia that covers 20 things you should never do in a 4WD recovery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Hill climbs in the dry that you\u2019ve conquered a million times before aren’t so easy in the wet!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential Gear<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You wouldn\u2019t risk a bad night\u2019s sleep by purchasing low-quality camping gear \u2013 so don\u2019t put your 4WD and your own safety at risk by using poor-quality recovery gear. If you\u2019re going to head out 4WDing in the wet, you should have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n