4WD Driving Skills & Rules Feedback

Mike Harding replied:

"Really steep hills should be treated with extreme caution - my personal rule is that if I have _any_ doubt I use low range first and my motto is "I don't want to get there fast - I just want to get there" :)"

Sage advice Mike!!!

"Which reminds me; I should practice my reverse stall/start technique again, long time since I've done it."

And yes! Everyone should practice this technique!!

Cheers

Brian (Gold Coast)

reverse stall/start technique again


Never heard of it could you kindly explain it to me !


Cheers

If you're going to drive in the High Country I strongly suggest you practice this technique before you do:

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THE STALL START or KEY START

When a vehicle stops on a steep hill, don't panic. Think and stay calm.

1. Brakes on - both foot and handbrake.
2. Switch engine off if not already stalled.
3. Ease clutch in.
4. Select low range, reverse gear. Clutch out.
5. Check to see if track is clear to reverse and that the wheels are pointing straight ahead, not on an angle.
6. Handbrake off.
7. Footbrake off - but keep it ready for action.
8. Keeping your foot away from the clutch, start the engine and proceed backwards slowly down the hill. Don't touch the clutch or the accelerator.
9. Slight 'feathering' of the brake is possible, but take care.

NB: 1. With autos, if the engine has stopped, you'll need to start the vehicle in neutral, or park, before reverse gear is engaged (step 4).
2. If at all in doubt, chock your vehicle and use a winch to aid the descent or ascent!
---------------

Lifted from some website.

Mike Harding

Mike's step-by-step for the Hill Stall Recovery is on the money! Everyone who drives a 4by off road should practice this procedure. I have seen what happens when it's done incorrectly and believe me, it ain't real pretty!!
But get it right the first time and you'll be safe as houses!!

Practice it, and practice it often! (I practice every month at our clubs driver training day!!) You can even practice it on your driveway if there's a slight gradient.

Cheers

Brian

2. Switch engine off if not already stalled.


Thanks Mike for the quick response,Do you switch the engine off as a safety issue if not already stalled ???


Cheers

The idea is that the vehicle has no motive power so you are starting from rest which requires a fair bit of energy - having the engine stopped reduces the risk of "run-away" when you engage drive.

The best thing is to try it for yourself in a controlled situation, I think you will understand it much more clearly then than anything I could explain :)

Mike Harding

PS. Enjoy the "Beef in red wine" - it's delicious :)

Hi Mike

Ive printed the Beef/Red Wine with your Driving Technique on the same printout (A4)...Notice the Meal is first just in case i stuff up the later ! lol


Cheers Bud