Driving over sand dunes could be great fun, but it could also be deeply frustrating. Here are 10 tips to keep you safe
1. Lower inflation pressure. Don't go by time ("a minute and a half") and do not try to assess it visually. Rely only on the air pressure gauge. The inflation pressure should be lowered to 15-12 PSI. Depending on the initial inflation pressure of the vehicle and depending on the sand condition. Sand in winter or after rain is tighter and easier to drive over.
2. Look far and do not stop. The path of progress must be planned and a few steps ahead. Momentum has to be maintained and must not be stopped. Every stop can lead you into a sinking in.
5. How to start driving? In second gear or in "SNOW" mode. With a little gas. If you step on it, the engine will send a lot of power to the tires and they will spin in place and dig the vehicle deep into the sand.
6. How to start (B)? With a straight steering wheel. Starting to drive while turning front wheels sideways means loading more resistance of sand in front of the vehicle.
7. Stuck in the sand? Give up immediately. Almost any attempt to escape by engine power will lead to a deeper sinking. If you get stuck then stop, breathe, relax and in this situation try to think of a solution. Is it possible to retreat? Is there another vehicle that can tow you? Are you alone? The second case is less pleasant. You need to clear the sand under the car's underbody, try to get to the damp and tighter sand, drain more air from the tires and hope for the best.
8. And there is the swing method. Go back a little and then a little forward. And again reverse and again forward. Each time a few inches more. (This can be done when the vehicle is down on its underbelly). What does this swing do? It tightens the sand and creates like a surface of airstrip that will allow us to then gain enough speed to get out of the mess safely.
9. Swing Method (B): Get a bunch of strong guys who will come and rock the vehicle from side to side. The swinging momentarily pulls the wheels out of the sand and the wall of the hole collapses a bit to allow the wheels to rise a bit higher on the sand that has collapsed and then - perhaps - there is a chance of getting out.
10. Fuel consumption. Over sand the vehicle drinks up its fuel several times more than the road. Think about it before you hit 40 km in Tze'elim sands. Besides, keep an eye on the thermometer all the time.