Driving through the Finniss River at Cole Crossing
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
TPMS Tyre pressure is often overlooked when it comes to road safety. As little as a 5 psi difference in tyre pressures can mean drastic increases in fuel usage, tyre and engine component wear. Incorrect tyre pressure will increase braking distance and affect a...
The Australian Road Rules explained.
Speed Limits Throughout Australia the maximum default speed limit outside a built-up area is 100 km/h. The maximum default speed limit in a built-up area is 50 km/h. Unless a road sign indicates otherwise, these are the general maximum speeds at which...
How to avoid rolling your 4WD
One of the many important driving techniques that we teach on our courses is how to avoid rolling a 4WD. Ladder rail chassis 4Wd's are limited in their handling capabilities due to their high centre of gravity. They are very easy to roll over. A very short...
Using a drag chain as a recovery strap damper.
When conducting a snatch recovery we should always plan for the unexpected failure of a piece of recovery equipment. Recovery dampers should be weighted, but more importantly, they should be effective. Weight on the recovery strap when it fails will slow its...
Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series – Crawl Control and Quick Steer
Crawl control is a feature found on some late model Toyota Landcruiser 150 series and 200 series 4WD. It allows the driver to traverse rough off-road terrain at a fixed slow speed without the need to apply the accelerator or brake. Much like cruise control operates...
Self recovery techniques – working the wheel.
One of the important teaching points of our corporate and recreational 4WD courses is self recovery. Self recovery means that you recover the vehicle without using equipment or another vehicle. Self recovery techniques include rocking (making a track by...
The Royal Flying Doctor Service
The staff at SA 4WD Training where invited to the South Australia headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) as part of the RFDS driver training program that we will be delivering this year. Shown around the facility by Flight Nurse Chris, it was a great...
Oversize loads. How to deal with them.
Oversize loads move regularly throughout South Australia. Most movement is along the Barrier Highway, Eyre Highway and Stuart Highway. During the mining boom dump trucks and other machinery could be seen every day moving through Port Augusta. Although less common...
Driving in dust. Understanding the dangers.
Every year there are people seriously injured and killed in overtaking maneuvers on dirt roads. Near misses are common. Most likely it is a case of inexperience, as those who regularly travel through the interior of Australia understand all too well the...
Recovery dampers. What you should know.
Recovery dampers. What you should know. So you are stuck in the sand or mud and someone wants to help. Before you roll out the recovery strap have a think about the danger you are about to expose everyone to. Firstly, have you considered a safer...