Four Wheel Driving

Question 1

When would you use 4wd

Answer 1

When additional traction is required to negotiate difficult terrain.

Where 2wd will not provide safe traction.

Question 2

What is transmission wind up

Answer 2

When stresses build up un the transmission due to difference in speed between the front and rear wheels.

Question 3

What are signs of transmission wind up

Answer 3

Steering difficulties.
Difficulty changing from 4wd to 2wd.
Damage to mechanical components under extreme circumstances.

Question 4

How to fix transmission wind up

Answer 4

Reverse for 5m.
Drive with one side on loose ground and the other on hard to allow wheel slip.

Question 5

Safety while 4wding depends on factors such as

Answer 5

Your attitude.
Knowing and operating within your ability and the vehicles capability.
Your observation skills and ability to assess each situation.
Your driving knowledge, techniques and experience.

Question 6

Questions to consider when 4wding

Answer 6

Do I have to go there - can I get back?
Is the vehicle capable of going there?
Am I capable of driving the vehicle there?

Question 7

Points to remember for environmental responsibility when 4wding

Answer 7

Be familiar with laws where your travelling.
Leave gates as you found them.
Stay on formed tracks or roads.
Avoid sensitive environmental areas.
Take note of local signage.
Take your rubbish with you.
Ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.

Question 8

Safe driving practises

Answer 8

Carry out pre operational checks.
Take notice of weather and fire indices for the day.
Drive within vehicle limits. Have vehicle sympathy.
Carry maps of working area, use local knowledge.
Continually assess off road environment.
Drive to the system of vehicle controls and your skill level.
Ensure you carry sufficient food, water, ppc, equipment and communications for the job.

Question 9

How should your seat be positioned when 4wding

Answer 9

Slightly forward to allow better vision, foot bracing and pedal control.

Question 10

How should your hands be when 4wding

Answer 10

Both hands should be help on the wheel as much as possible with your thumbs pointed outward to avoid broken thumbs from wheel lash.

Question 11

What happened to your stopping distance on dirt roads

Answer 11

It increases as you have reduced traction on loose surfaces.

Question 12

How do you assess an obstacle when 4wding

Answer 12

Stop, look and walk the trail.

Question 13

Safe 4wding practises

Answer 13

Choose the fastest and easiest path.

Consider vehicle clearance on the obstacles.
Select the appropriate gear and range before attempting obstacle.
A good assessment will mean you wont need to change gear or touch the clutch.
Proceed at a steady pace appropriate to the obstacle.
Only one vehicle to negotiate an obstacle at a time.

Question 14

Points to remember when driving in long grass

Answer 14

Use 4wd high to assist with traction. Low range where needed.
Have a firefighter walk ahead as a guide and to look for obstacles.
Keep speed to a minimum.
Check underneath the vehicle for build up of grass.

Question 15

Safe angle for driving cross slopes

Answer 15

13 degrees

Question 16

What do you do if the wheels begin to slide when 4wding

Answer 16

If the front wheels slide down - steer down the hill.
If the rear wheels slide down - steer up the hill.
This will put the vehicle in a safer position stopping it from rolling.

Question 17

Use what gear when ascending and descending steep slopes

Answer 17

Manual - Low 4, first gear.
Auto - Low 4, Drive.

Question 18

How to safely navigate water crossings

Answer 18

Drive at a slow steady pace to make a bow wave to ease the vehicle way through.
Drive diagonally up stream as you cross to allow for the stream pushing you down.

Question 19

What will you do after water crossings

Answer 19

Dry out the brakes by driving and lightly applying to generate heat.

Question 20

Tyre considerations when navigating mud

Answer 20

Can deflate to half normal pressure to float the tyres over the mud.
Can leave fully inflated to cut through soft mud and drive on hard ground.

Question 21

Consideration when driving on sand

Answer 21

Deflate tyres to around 15psi. To increase contact patch.
Use 4wd low and try maintain momentum.
Don’t make sudden shard turns or accelerate hard. Or you will dig in.

Question 22

Methods of recovery

Answer 22

Reversing out of the obstacle.
Using the gears, steering and accelerator to ‘rock’ the vehicle free.
Dig the wheels and differential free.
Fit chains or change a wheel.
Use jacks.
Towing. (snatching, use low 4, second or third gear)
Place solid packing under wheels. (maxtrax)
Winching.

Question 23

Consideration when returning to hard standing

Answer 23

Disengage 4wd and free-wheeling hubs if fitted.
Inspect vehicle for sticks and debris caught up around the grill, suspension and exhaust.
Check the tyres for damage and look for rocks wedged between dual wheels.
Remove transmission wind up.

Question 24

Where to fit chains

Answer 24

On all wheels or in the case of only having one pair the front wheels to assist with steering.

Question 25

What legislation refers to emergency response procedure

Answer 25

Emergency Act 2004

Question 26

Mechanical Components of a 4wd

Answer 26

Question 27

The System of vehicle control (Hendon system)

Answer 27

Course.
Mirrors and signals.
Brakes.
Gears and mirrors.
Evasive action.
Acceleration points.