For many people, the maxim “Take only photos, leave only footprints” says it all for how they relate to the great outdoors. For responsible 4WD enthusiasts, the equivalent is “Tread lightly”, a collection of rules and off-road driving techniques that minimise track wear and environmental damage. If you are driving up a river valley or along an access track for your next backcountry adventure, here are some ways to lessen your environmental treadprint.
Stick to the track
Despite the go-anywhere image depicted in ads, 4WD vehicles generally do need a track to follow. It may be indistinct at times, particularly in a riverbed, and it may have an obstacle or two along its way, but it is still the track so you should stick to it. Driving around obstacles just leads to the track getting wider. The terrain either side of the track also may be sensitive to damage from a vehicle. This is particularly the case if you come to a waterhole on a track – the hole is likely to have a firm bottom and offer the best way through, whereas the terrain either side of the track is likely to be a sensitive area of bog or wetland. Of course, you should still check how deep the waterhole is before plunging in.
Use 4WD
In a vehicle with 4WD, the power from the engine goes to all four wheels. With 2WD, the power goes only to either the front or rear wheels. The difference this makes is that if the going is slippery, steep or uneven, the front wheels of a 4WD will “pull” the back ones while the back ones will “push” the front ones, meaning there is much less chance of any of the wheels spinning, which is when they damage the track. A 4WD vehicle driven with care will cause much less damage to a track than a slipping, sliding 2WD vehicle.
The need to engage 4WD isn’t an issue with the many modern vehicles that are full-time 4WD. If you need to select 4WD on your vehicle, do so as soon as you are off the tarseal. This is not only good for the environment but also for your personal safety, as vehicles are much easier to control on gravel roads in 4WD rather than 2WD.
Lower your tyre pressure
Another good technique for lessening damage to a track is to lower your tyre pressure. This increases the surface area of each tyre by allowing it to spread across the ground, making it less likely the tyre will lose grip and start spinning. You can reduce your tyre pressure by about 20 percent without any issues (add a tyre pressure gauge to your kit) but you will need to reinflate them at the first garage once you are back on tarseal as the lower pressure will affect vehicle handling and fuel economy. If ‘airing down’ becomes a regular part of your trips, consider adding an air compressor to your kit.
Carry it out
It’s one thing to lessen the impact of your vehicle on the environment; it’s even better if you can use your vehicle to help clean it up. If your 4WD has a rear-mounted spare wheel, consider getting a gear bag to fit it. Most 4WD suppliers have a version of these, and they are a great place to stash the stray bits of other people’s rubbish you will inevitably come across as you drive through our backcountry. Once home, unload it all straight into the bin.
DOC’s care code
To help people lessen the impact on the environment of their 4WD vehicles, the Department of Conservation has compiled a care code that includes advice such as avoiding sensitive areas, staying on the track, and cleaning vehicles before and after trips to avoid spreading weeds and diseases. To find out more, go to www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/care-codes/four-wheel-drive-care-code/
