WHILE most drivers specifically avoid taking their cars into muddy conditions, there are some who actively seek out mud, muck, dirt and downright bogginess in order to have fun putting their ‘off road’-steeds through their paces.
However, there’s more to ‘mudding’ – or ‘green laning’ as it’s sometimes known – than simply engaging four-wheel-drive and diving/driving right into the soft stuff. Get it wrong and you’re going to risk getting stuck, or worse, damaging your pride and joy.
With the aim of boosting sales of its current range of off-road capable D-Max pick-ups in mind, Isuzu have come up with a handy ‘cut-out and keep on your dashboard’ guide to successfully negotiating infirm terrain.
The Isuzu D-Max’s lightweight (approximately two tonnes) design, electronically assisted steering, and raised ground clearance mean it’s well capable of negotiating off-road terrain – especially with a four-wheel-drive system incorporating 2H, 4H, and 4L modes (where ‘L’ and ‘H’ represent ‘Low’ and ‘High’ range torque settings) and a rear differential lock which provides extra traction in muddy conditions.
Here’s how to take your 4x4 into the rough stuff and live to mud another day.
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TOP 10 TIPS FOR OFF-ROADING
- PACK FOR THE MUD: Before heading out, pack a recovery kit with essentials like a tow strap, shovel, traction aids (recovery boards), gloves, and an air compressor in case of tyre pressure adjustments.
- CHECK YOUR TYRES: Opt for all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres to improve grip. Mud tyres with larger, self-cleaning treads are ideal for dispersing the mud and maintaining traction.
- ENGAGE 4WD: Switch to 4H or 4L depending on the depth of the mud. 4H is suited for general muddy conditions, while 4L offers more torque for deeper or thicker mud.
- MAINTAIN STEADY MOMENTUM: Keep a consistent speed without sudden acceleration or braking. A smooth, steady pace helps avoid wheel spin and sinking.
- KEEP YOUR WHEELS STRAIGHT: Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead as much as possible. Turning in thick mud increases resistance and the risk of getting stuck.
- USE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCK: Activate the rear differential lock when facing deep mud or inclines. This ensures both rear wheels move together, improving traction and helping you power through.
- AVOID OVER-REVVING: Spinning the wheels too fast in mud will dig them deeper. If you feel a loss of traction, ease off the accelerator to let the tyres regain grip.
- RECOVERY FROM STUCK: If you get bogged down, don’t panic. Gently rock the vehicle back and forth by alternating between forward and reverse gears. Using traction boards or shovelling mud away from the tyres can also help.
- POST-MUD CLEAN-UP: After the adventure, clean your D-Max thoroughly, focusing on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and brakes to remove all traces of mud and prevent potential long-term damage.
- INSPECT FOR DAMAGE: Check for any damage to your tyres, suspension, and undercarriage to ensure everything remains in top condition. Pay particular attention to steering and braking systems to ensure there’s no issues.
“When it comes to mud driving, the 4x4 Isuzu D-Max pick-up is built to tackle the toughest terrain, so you can get down and dirty with confidence,” advises George Wallis, Isuzu UK head of marketing.
“Also, being responsible off-road doesn’t mean being a stick in the mud - the 4x4 D-Max will help you really enjoy the mudness.”
To really showcase the D-Max’s off-road capabilities, Isuzu recently built a one-off special project, the Mudmaster.
Based on the D-Max’s top V-Cross trim, it features mud-friendly accessories including a snorkel exhaust for water wading, a winch for self-recovery, lifted suspension for increased ground clearance and powerful driving lamps for superior visibility.
Check it out at isuzu.co.uk/mudmaster.
