Driving on Sand: Off-Road Driving Tips For Dubai’s Deserts

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Dunes are blasting for off-road driving enthusiasts, in the desert of Dubai. Nevertheless, it is necessary to explain that driving in the area of shifting dunes needs certain skills and measures to protect from getting lodged or losing a vehicle. Here in this article, the author shares important information before operating a vehicle on a sandy area during a tour of Dubai’s striking desert features. Take the example of airing down tires and selecting wider wheel tracks; they fall under the desert specifically for the driving category. 

It is also advisable to book the tour from Safe Driver Dubai to be accompanied by one of their widely experienced tour guides or to hire a designated driver. Their drivers are professionals and they have specialized vehicles for this type of road, especially dune roads. However, with adequate preparation and assistance, off-road jeep experience would be funnier as well as steering clear of many misfortunes that novices are bound to meet. Allow us to take your hand and be your compass through safe and fun desert driving.

Be extra cautious on the sand

Arabian deserts of Dubai also have features that make off-road driving possible but challenging at the same time. For a first-time driver, one can easily be challenged by the soft sandy surface hence when on this terrain; the sober driver ought to be extra cautious.

Reduce your speed

To prevent slipping or being lodged. Slow down to around 10 to 15 KHz. At high speed, your tires do not have a chance to get a decent purchase on the sand before you begin sliding; or worse, spin out entirely. As this vehicle reacts and moves differently in soft terrains, one must approach it gently to get a feel of it. 

Adjust your driving technique

Inspect the transport and move the controls with slight and constant pressure on the accelerator, brakes, and steering wheel. Jerking of the steering wheel or quick application of brake or accelerator makes it very difficult to control the vehicle. Be soft on the pedals and the steering wheel. One should also refrain from the use of cruise control and ABS when driving on the sand. 

Swallow, and shift to a lower gear 

With an aim of achieving more power and authority. Due to the lower gearing, your wheels receive more torque when traversing through sand. It also supplies engine braking where one can be able to slow down without having to apply the brakes to lock the wheels. Down shift to the lowest gear which can still push the car.

Air down your tires

To gain more surface area and to ensure that the tires float over the sand instead of sinking, deflate the tire pressure to between 15 to 20 psi. Just make sure you reinstall them when back on the blacktop.

Select a car that has the four-wheel drive capability 

However, two-wheel drive cars can be driven on sand but four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is better for soft and sloppy surfaces. Extra wheels are beneficial as they give more traction to the virtue machine and assistance when dealing with barriers that make you trapped.

Well, with a little care, and using the right technique as you have been instructed above, you will be driving through those dunes in no time. However, in case of any difficulties, it is recommended to find a skilled and experienced driver from a good company such as Safe Driver Dubai. Their safe drivers are professionals and they have adequate knowledge and skills on the road to guarantee your safety.

If You Ever Get Stuck, Please Make Sure To Apply Correct Recovery Measures

Accidentally getting stuck in the sand when off-reading in Dubai is possible even for persons who have significant experience on their side. However, when it happens, and especially during off-road trails, one needs to maintain composure and exercise the right measures to reverse the car from the stuck point safely without causing more harm.

The first thing here, which everyone should learn, is to first cease accelerating or else things are going to get worse. Slowly step on the brakes to bring the vehicle to an absolute standstill. Next, scan the environment to be able to identify which way is the best to escape. It is important to also find places on the sand that is fuller with more formation of ridges or depressions to help give extra grip. This may require shoveling sand off the tires so that there is better traction with the ground.

Engage the four-wheel drive if it is available in your car. This distributes power to all wheels giving better grip, hence increasing the traction. There is also the center differential that you can manually lock (except in the 4-door) for ultimate traction. Also, engage any other high-level traction control systems we have such as the hill descent control.

If your wheels are spinning, then the best way out would be to engage the auto 4WD, reverse, and then put on low gear gently, rocking the car across the depression. Place sand, kitty litter, gravel, or branches under and in front of the tires to increase the amount of grip. In extreme circumstances, you may be towed in by another vehicle using a tow strap, chain or winch. Again when winching for the boat, then you should be very careful to follow all safety precautions.

The main point of decreasing the danger of being stuck in the sand is technical thinking and the usage of any means possible while still acting safely. Moving your body parts following the right techniques with some care will help to release the affected part without inflicting an injury. Of course, for an extra measure of safety, you should rely on a sober driver service in Dubai especially when driving on sand. They have well-trained drivers who are kilometer-wise charged to take you through off-road tracks as you want.

Conclusion

In conclusion, driving on sand inflicts various challenges that need precautionary measures to enhance safety. Still, adhering to such simple rules as decreasing the pressure in car tires, not driving too sharply, and taking recovery equipment and other tools with you, it becomes possible to travel through the deserts of Dubai with a car without getting stuck. 

Consider hiring Safe Driver Dubai for any guided tour or any kind of designated driving. Their sober drivers know a lot of off road and they will drive and pick you up from your desired location and back again giving you time and energy to appreciate the scenic views. All in all, I believe that with some relatively good planning and appropriate support Dubai’s dunes can be as equally thrilling as they are dangerous. Stay safe out there!

 

Shahnaz Khan

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