Planning an Australian 4WD road trip? Driving on dirt roads, corrugations, sand and remote outback tracks can be one of the best parts of exploring Australia, but it is important to adjust your driving style and your vehicle setup to suit the conditions.
Whether you are travelling the Gibb River Road, exploring the Red Centre, crossing the Savannah Way or heading into one of Australia’s remote national parks, these essential 4WD driving tips can help you travel more safely and comfortably.
Quick Answer: What Should You Do Before Driving on a Dirt Road?
As soon as you leave the bitumen and start travelling on a dirt or gravel road, you should stop in a safe location and reduce your tyre pressures to the appropriate unsealed road setting.
Lower tyre pressures allow the tyres to absorb more of the road surface, improve traction and reduce the impact of corrugations and loose surfaces on the vehicle.
Adventure Rentals includes a comprehensive 4WD Guide in every vehicle. It explains recommended tyre pressures for different terrain, which 4WD gears and settings to use, driving techniques for different surfaces and how to use the vehicle’s recovery and safety equipment.
Always follow the recommended settings for your particular Adventure Rentals vehicle and adjust your speed to suit the road conditions.
Plan Your 4WD Route Before You Leave
Know Your Route
Research the road or track you are planning to travel before setting out. Check current road conditions, weather forecasts, park alerts, closures and potential hazards such as river crossings.
Conditions on remote Australian roads can change quickly, particularly following rain.
Tell Someone Where You Are Going
Let a friend, family member or another responsible person know where you are travelling and when you expect to arrive at your destination.
This is particularly important when travelling through remote areas where mobile phone coverage may be limited or unavailable.
Check Your Vehicle Each Morning
Before departing each day, take a few minutes to check your 4WD.
Check your tyre pressures, tyres, fluid levels and general vehicle condition, and make sure your spare tyres and recovery equipment are ready if needed.
Lower Your Tyre Pressure When Driving on Dirt Roads
Tyre pressure is one of the most important things to consider when moving from bitumen onto an unsealed road.
Do not continue driving with normal highway tyre pressures once you begin travelling on dirt roads.
When you leave the bitumen, stop somewhere safe and lower your tyre pressures to the recommended dirt road setting provided in your Adventure Rentals 4WD Guide.
Why Lower Tyre Pressures?
Reducing tyre pressure allows the tyre to flex and increases the amount of tyre in contact with the road surface.
This can:
- Improve traction on dirt, gravel and sand
- Help the vehicle absorb corrugations
- Provide a smoother and more comfortable ride
- Reduce the likelihood of some types of tyre damage
- Reduce vibration and impact travelling through the vehicle
The correct tyre pressure will vary depending on the vehicle, terrain, load and conditions, which is why we provide vehicle specific tyre pressure recommendations in every Adventure Rentals 4WD.
Use the Adventure Rentals 4WD Guide
You do not need to be an experienced 4WD driver to understand the basic settings of your Adventure Rentals vehicle.
Every Adventure Rentals vehicle includes our 4WD Guide, which provides practical information you can refer to throughout your trip.
The guide includes:
- Recommended tyre pressures for different road surfaces and terrain
- When to reduce and increase tyre pressures
- Which 4WD gears and vehicle settings to use
- How to drive on dirt roads and corrugations
- How to drive through sand
- How to approach steep climbs and descents
- Driving techniques for different terrain
- How to use the supplied recovery equipment
- Important 4WD safety information
Our team also provides a vehicle handover before you depart so you can familiarise yourself with the vehicle, its equipment and its 4WD functions.
How to Drive Safely on Australian Dirt Roads
Slow Down
Driving on an unsealed road is very different from travelling on bitumen.
Adventure Rentals vehicles must not exceed 80 km/h on dirt roads, but many roads and conditions require a considerably lower speed.
Corrugations, loose gravel, dips, washouts, rocks, wildlife and changing road surfaces can all require you to slow down.
The rougher the road becomes, the slower you should travel.
Drive to the Conditions
A posted speed limit is not necessarily a safe travelling speed.
If the road has heavy corrugations, loose gravel, deep dips, washouts, sand or large rocks, reduce your speed and drive smoothly.
Avoid sudden steering movements and harsh braking wherever possible.
Look Well Ahead
Do not focus only on the road immediately in front of the bonnet.
Look further ahead so you have time to identify changing surfaces, corners, dips, animals, approaching vehicles and obstacles.
Allow Plenty of Space
Leave a generous distance between your vehicle and any vehicle travelling ahead.
Dust can dramatically reduce visibility on dirt roads, particularly when following another vehicle.
Slow Down for Oncoming Vehicles
When another vehicle approaches, reduce your speed and allow plenty of room.
Slowing down reduces the amount of dust and loose stones thrown into the air and can reduce the chance of windscreen damage.
Avoid Obstacles Where Safe
Avoid large rocks, deep holes, sharp objects and other obstacles where it is safe to do so.
Do not make sudden steering movements at speed simply to avoid an obstacle. Slow down first and assess the safest path.
When Should You Use Low Range 4WD?
Low range is designed to provide greater control and torque at low speeds.
Depending on the terrain and vehicle, low range may be suitable for situations such as:
- Steep climbs
- Steep descents
- Very soft sand
- Slow technical terrain
- Situations where additional control at low speed is required
Different vehicles have different 4WD systems and settings, so always refer to the Adventure Rentals 4WD Guide supplied in your vehicle before selecting a 4WD mode.
Know Your Vehicle and Its Limits
Be Aware of Weight Distribution
The way weight is distributed through your vehicle can affect handling, particularly when cornering or travelling over uneven terrain.
Pack securely and avoid unnecessary heavy items high in the vehicle.
Remember Your Ground Clearance
Watch for large rocks, deep wheel ruts and uneven surfaces that could contact the underside of the vehicle.
Choose your path carefully and travel slowly through rough sections.
Understand Your Recovery Equipment
Adventure Rentals vehicles carry 4WD safety and recovery equipment for remote travel.
Before heading into remote areas, familiarise yourself with where the equipment is stored and how it should be used.
Instructions for the supplied equipment are included in the Adventure Rentals 4WD Guide.
Avoid Driving at Dawn, Dusk and Night
Wildlife is particularly active around dawn and dusk in many parts of Australia.
Kangaroos, cattle and other animals can move onto the road with very little warning, particularly in remote areas.
Adventure Rentals vehicles must not be driven outside towns and cities between sunset and sunrise. We also recommend planning your day’s travel so you are comfortably at your destination before dusk.
Ask Locals About Current Road Conditions
Road conditions can change quickly, particularly in northern and outback Australia.
Visitor centres, national park staff, roadhouses, accommodation providers and local authorities can often provide valuable information about current conditions.
Always check official road reports and park alerts before travelling on remote tracks.
Adventure Rentals 4WD Driving Tips at a Glance
- Lower your tyre pressures as soon as you move from bitumen onto a dirt or gravel road
- Use the tyre pressures recommended in your Adventure Rentals 4WD Guide
- Never exceed 80 km/h on dirt roads in an Adventure Rentals vehicle
- Slow down further when conditions require it
- Look well ahead and allow plenty of stopping distance
- Use the appropriate 4WD gear or setting for the terrain
- Check your vehicle and tyres each morning
- Check current road and weather conditions before travelling
- Familiarise yourself with your recovery and safety equipment
- Plan to reach your destination before dusk
Frequently Asked Questions About 4WD Driving in Australia
Should I lower my tyre pressure on dirt roads?
Yes. When travelling in an Adventure Rentals vehicle, you should reduce your tyre pressures when you leave the bitumen and begin travelling on a dirt or gravel road. Stop in a safe location and use the recommended tyre pressures listed in the 4WD Guide supplied with your vehicle.
Why do you lower tyre pressure on dirt roads?
Lower tyre pressures allow the tyre to flex and make better contact with the road surface. This can improve traction, help absorb corrugations, provide a smoother ride and reduce stress on the vehicle and tyres.
What tyre pressure should I use on dirt roads?
There is no single tyre pressure suitable for every vehicle and every road. The appropriate pressure depends on the vehicle, load, terrain and conditions. Adventure Rentals provides recommended tyre pressures for different terrain in the 4WD Guide supplied with every vehicle.
Does Adventure Rentals provide instructions for driving a 4WD?
Yes. Every Adventure Rentals vehicle includes a comprehensive 4WD Guide covering tyre pressures, 4WD gears and settings, driving techniques for different terrain, safety information and instructions for using recovery equipment.
How fast can I drive an Adventure Rentals 4WD on dirt roads?
The maximum permitted speed for an Adventure Rentals vehicle on a dirt road is 80 km/h. You must travel more slowly whenever road, traffic, weather or visibility conditions require it.
Can I drive an Adventure Rentals vehicle at night?
Adventure Rentals vehicles must not be driven outside towns and cities between sunset and sunrise. Wildlife and livestock are common on remote Australian roads, and the risk of an animal collision increases considerably around dawn, dusk and at night.
Ready for Your Australian 4WD Adventure?
With the right preparation, tyre pressures, vehicle settings and driving technique, exploring Australia’s dirt roads and remote regions by 4WD can be an incredible experience.
Adventure Rentals provides premium 4WD vehicles equipped for Australian road trips, together with our comprehensive 4WD Guide and a detailed vehicle handover to help you understand your vehicle before you head off.
Ready to start planning your adventure? Get a quote for your Adventure Rentals 4WD today.
