Know Your Vehicle

• Understand Your Angles

• Transmissions

• Four Wheel Drive Systems

• Differentials

• Vehicle Modifications

Looks like high school geometry finally pays off. When you're off-road, understanding your vehicle’s approach, breakover, and departure angles can make or break your line. Knowing what your rig can handle, and what it can’t, helps you stay in control and out of trouble on the trail.

Pro Tip:

Put it to the test. Park near an obstacle and hop out. Compare your view from the trail to the one behind the wheel. With enough practice, your judgment on the trail becomes second nature.

After-Market Mods Affect Your Off-Road Angles

Adding a lift, swapping tires, or installing aftermarket parts? Each change affects your rig’s clearance and angles. Don’t guess! Know the impact before you wheel.

There are two main types of transmissions: automatic and manual. Across much of North America, manual driving is becoming a lost skill, but it’s still common in many countries. Each transmission has its pros and cons off-road. Know how to make yours work for you.

Automatic

It may seem simple, but the first step is knowing how to put your vehicle in gear. Identify the gear selector. Older models may have it on the steering column, while newer vehicles typically place it near the center console. You might see two shifters on the floor, one of them is the transfer case that lets you engage four-wheel drive.

Automatics tend to be easier to manage off-road because they handle much of the work for you. Remember, speed won’t get you through. Let the vehicle perform the way it was engineered to.

• Engine braking can be limited with automatics. Use the brake and throttle carefully as you adjust speed.

• Shift to D1 or D2 and select 4WD Low to crawl over obstacles with minimal throttle.

• Use higher gears when climbing. Downhill, stick to the lowest gears.

• The overdrive button prevents the vehicle from using its highest gear. This is useful for steep terrain and also when towing on-road.

If you’re not comfortable with a manual, don’t start on the trail. Make sure shifting and clutch control are second nature before heading off-road. You need to focus on terrain, not your feet.

Using Your Manual Transmission

• Keep off the clutch as much as possible. Holding it down too often reduces momentum and can cause overheating or wear.

• Only press the clutch to shift. Keep your left foot on the floor otherwise.

• Avoid hovering your foot above the pedal, rough terrain could bump your foot into the clutch unexpectedly.

• Use first and second gear to navigate obstacles and uneven ground.

• Never change gears while climbing or descending. Shifting on hills can lead to loss of control.

• If your vehicle stalls on an obstacle and it allows for it, try restarting in gear without pressing the clutch. The starter motor may be enough to get you moving again.

Starting Without the Clutch

Manual transmissions usually require the clutch to be pressed to start, which can be a challenge if you’re stuck on a slope. Some off-road vehicles have a built-in clutch bypass switch so you can start in gear, keeping your foot on the brake and the other on the gas. In tight situations, the starter might even help move the vehicle forward. Always check your vehicle’s manual for specifics.

Stall-Start Recovery

If your climb becomes too steep and the engine stalls, use the stall-start recovery method to regain control and get back to stable ground. It’s a trusted technique used by experienced manual drivers.

Always Use Your Parking Brake on Slopes

When parked on a slope, always set the parking brake before releasing the clutch. Even in gear, a vehicle can roll. Use the brake to hold the weight, and the gear as backup. Park in first gear when facing uphill, and in reverse when facing downhill.

When it comes to off-roading in Canada, four-wheel drive isn’t optional, it’s essential. Whether you're crossing snowy trails or navigating muddy backroads, four-wheel drive delivers torque to all four wheels, giving you the traction needed to stay in control. Since systems vary, it's important to understand how yours works before you get too deep into the wilderness.

Part-Time 4WD

Part-time or on-demand 4WD systems allow you to switch into four-wheel drive only when needed. When disengaged, the vehicle drives as a two-wheel drive, typically powering the rear wheels. This helps improve fuel efficiency, especially on highways.

Part-time systems are not designed for use on dry pavement while in 4WD. Doing so can lead to transmission wind-up, as there’s no center differential to let the front and rear axles rotate at different speeds.

Most part-time setups let you switch between 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low, depending on trail conditions.

Full-Time 4WD

Full-time 4WD powers all four wheels at all times, using a center differential in the transfer case to balance the speed between the front and rear driveshafts. This prevents drivetrain strain during turns or while driving on mixed surfaces.

When cornering, the system allows inner tires to rotate slower than outer tires, keeping traction even and the drivetrain protected. Many full-time 4WD vehicles offer a center differential lock, which may be electronically controlled or manually operated.

These systems typically support both 4WD High and 4WD Low for a wide range of off-road terrain.

Putting It in Four-Wheel Drive

The transfer case engages 4WD by routing power to both the front and rear axles. In older models, you might need to come to a complete stop and shift into neutral or park before engaging 4WD manually using a lever or stick.

In newer vehicles, activating 4WD can be as easy as pressing a button. Since every system is a bit different, take the time to read your vehicle’s manual so you know when and how to use 4WD correctly, especially before heading into challenging terrain.

All-Wheel Drive

AWD systems, like full-time 4WD, use a center differential to send power to all four wheels. Unlike 4WD setups, most AWD vehicles don’t use a transfer case to split torque evenly front to back. Instead, they usually drive like front-wheel drive vehicles, only sending torque to the rear wheels when traction is lost.

AWD is built primarily for on-road conditions. While it can help in light off-road situations or snowy roads, it doesn’t replace a true 4WD system built for backcountry use.

Traction Control

Most newer vehicles include traction control systems that help maintain grip in slippery conditions. The system works by detecting wheel spin and applying braking power where it’s needed to keep you moving forward.

Depending on the vehicle, you might see a simple on/off button or more advanced multi-mode options. Always consult your manual to fully understand the system’s features.

Differentials make everyday driving and off-roading manageable. They allow the wheels on the same axle to spin at different speeds, which is especially important when turning. The outer wheels need to cover more distance, so they spin faster than the inner wheels.

Without a differential, the inside tire could lose grip, leading to skidding or jerky handling around corners. That not only wears out your tires but also puts stress on the drivetrain.

Open Differentials

Open differentials are ideal for highway use but can be a challenge off-road. Since they send torque down the path of least resistance, a tire stuck in mud or lifted off the trail will get all the power, while the tire with grip gets none.

Thankfully, there are ways around this. Many newer 4WD vehicles feature limited-slip or locking differentials, or advanced traction control systems to help keep you moving in rough conditions.

Four-Wheel Drive, Locked Front and Rear Differential

With a part-time 4WD system and lockers on both axles, power is sent to all four wheels equally, regardless of surface conditions. That means you're fully equipped to push through just about anything.

Four-Wheel Drive, Locked Rear Differential

When you lock the rear differential, both rear wheels receive the same amount of power, even if one has no traction. If either wheel can grip, your vehicle can keep moving through mud, snow, or uneven ground.

Locking Differentials

If you're serious about off-roading, locking differentials are key. Engaging a locker ensures both wheels on the same axle receive equal power, regardless of traction. Even when conditions are rough and grip is scarce, just one tire catching traction can help pull the vehicle through.

Lockers are either automatic or driver-controlled. Some vehicles come with a rear locker only, while others include front and rear for maximum capability. Having both axles locked gives your vehicle full torque across all four wheels, whether you're in a muddy rut or lifting tires on uneven rock.

Limited-Slip Differential

A limited-slip differential works much like an open differential, with one important upgrade. Instead of sending all the torque to the wheel with the least grip, it automatically transfers some power to the wheels that actually have traction. That can be enough to keep you moving forward when things get slick.

Vehicle Modifications

You can usually tell when a rig is all show and no go. While there’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your build, off-road upgrades should serve a purpose, not just a look.

Before making any major changes, get your vehicle on the trail. Only then will you start to see what modifications actually make a difference. What works for rock crawling might not be right for overlanding or winter trails.

It’s smart to connect with experienced drivers or join an off-road forum. You'll find advice from people who’ve already tested gear in real conditions.

Warning: Lifting your vehicle affects more than just ground clearance. The higher the lift, the more you’ll need to invest in other adjustments to maintain handling, performance, and safety.