5 Key Features to Look For in Off-Road Vehicles in Kenya

An off-road vehicle with specialised tyres
An off-road vehicle with specialised tyres and a skid plate on the front.
Photo/Cars Kenya

Travel enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of driving off the tarmacked road and embarking on the rough road. However, if the vehicle used does not meet the standards to travel on the rough road, you may end up coughing thousands to repair.

Off-road vehicles have different specifications as compared to other cars. They are modified to help maneuver the tough terrain. Despite the modifications, while on the road take caution and place your safety first.

Here are some key features to look at when selecting an off-road vehicle.

An off-road vehicle with a bumper, deep-tread tyres, and a red recovery point at the bottom
An off-road vehicle with a bumper, deep-tread tyres, and a red recovery point at the bottom
Facebook

High Ground Clearance

The rough terrain may be filled with sharp objects that may damage some parts of the vehicle at the bottom. Due to this, you require a vehicle with a wide gap between the base and the ground. This can be enhanced with modified tires or suspension parts.

A highly grounded vehicle ensures you do not get stuck on the road. You also get a higher seat positing offering more angles to view the road ahead.

The wheels

Good off-road vehicles require tyres with good grip that enhance vehicle stability. They should also be wide to occupy a wider area.

Tyres with deeper treads are best suited for the off-road drive. You can purchase some all-terrain tyres to maneuver the rough road in any season.

With the tyres too, you may need to adjust the pressure depending on the road. In some areas, you will need to reduce the air pressure to increase the surface area.

A four-wheel-drive car is recommended, with this you get the power and stability to get through rough terrain.

Quality Suspension

This will offer better friction. The suspension system ensures your vehicle is on the ground at all times. The shock absorbers, part of the suspension system, ensure you feel the bumpiness on the road less.

There are a few indicators for the quality of your suspension system. One corner sits low, it feels bumpy, and you have difficulty steering among others.

A Rhino Charge LandRover in Kenya at a past event.
A Rhino Charge LandRover in Kenya at a past event.
File

Good recovery points

While on rough terrain, it is common to get stuck in the mud or quicksand if you are in a desert area.

When you get stuck, the vehicle needs good points to get it out. It is not advisable to use the underparts of the vehicle to pull it out of the mud, they may end up getting more damaged.

The modification capacity of the car

Choose a car that is easy to modify to suit your needs while on the road. With a good off-road vehicle, adjusting the bumper is a good idea so that in case you, ram into something by accident, the damage may be less fatal.

The car may also require extra lights for poorly-lit areas like the forest, deserts, or mountain trails.

  • . .