Driving 4x4 Vehicles

The difference between a 4-wheel drive hire car and a regular hire car is that with the 4x4, all the wheels are powered rather than just two. If you are hiring a car to drive in the city, you won't need a 4-wheel drive, but if you're travelling further afield, there are times when a 4x4 is the perfect car in which to explore your surroundings and have some fun, especially on rough terrain.

Hiring a 4x4 is the right choice if you intend to visit places like the Grand Canyon State Park, where you can explore the South Rim, or the very different West Rim with its Grand Canyon Skywalk. Most people make the trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon in a hire car. The area has some very rough unpaved paths, so you need to hire a vehicle that is easy to handle in such conditions, without sustaining damage to the undercarriage or ending up stuck.

Here are some tips for driving your 4-wheel drive hire car safely:

• If you're hiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle, check with your hire car company to see whether they impose any restrictions about where you can drive the car.
• Always make sure that your hire car's tyres have the correct air pressure, especially when driving off road, as conditions can be tough.
• Whilst a 4-wheel drive hire car will give you better control on rough terrain, don't take unnecessary risks; every vehicle has its limitations.
• Try to have an idea of the terrain that you'll face before setting out, and carry a good map in your hire car.
• When exploring off road, take a mobile phone if possible, in case of emergencies.
• If you are going to be driving your hire car in remote areas, carry extra food and water, and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back.
• Use the differential lock in difficult off-road situations. This will stop the wheels from spinning.
• If you know that you'll be driving off the beaten track and encountering particularly rough terrain, you should consider carrying an emergency kit in your hire car in case you get stuck. A first aid kit is also advisable.
• Drive slowly and steadily, and stay in a high gear if it looks like you may get stuck. Don't stop if the ground isn't firm.
• If it has recently rained hard, the terrain may be soft and muddy. If your hire car's wheels get stuck, make your way out slowly and don't rush to loosen your wheels.
• Know your move before you make it and don't speed or hesitate.
• When driving your hire car through water, stay in the same gear and maintain a steady pace. Do not stop.
• Don't drive on the brakes.
• Don't over-steer your hire car.
• Remember that 4-wheel drive vehicles are usually larger than the average hire car, so be careful when attempting to park.