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Hi guys, Briohny here from
Accelerate Auto Electrics and Air-Conditioning
on the Sunshine Coast.
Today we're going to take you through our seven top tips
for driving on the beach.
Number 1 is always remember that road rules apply.
So the same rules that you follow on the bitumen
apply when you're on the sand.
Number 2, lighten your load.
The less weight you have in the car,
the less likely you are to get bogged.
Number 3, know the clearance of the car.
This is the distance between the ground and your car.
Generally the chassis is the lowest point,
so just check how much room you've got
between the chassis and the ground
so you know how to attack bumps and tracks.
Number 4, know the tides.
It's ideal to avoid driving 2 hours
either side of high tide.
Instead, plan to travel on the beach
in the two hours either side of low tide.
Also, where possible don't get caught driving
on an incoming tide.
Number 5, lower your tyre pressure.
We use these Staun brand of tyre deflators.
Basically we pop one of each of these on a tyre
and it drops down to a preset PSI.
The reason we reduce the tyre pressure
is that it flattens our tyres
and increases the amount of surface area
making contact with the sand
and will give you better traction.
Things to watch out for when you have flattened your tyres
is the steering gets wobblier,
also take care when turning corners
as it could cause the tyres to come off the rim
if you do it quickly.
Number 6, if you're driving in soft sand momentum is key.
If you're approaching soft sand,
make sure you maintain or slightly increase your speed.
The slower your vehicle is going,
the longer it has to sink into the soft sand.
Once your tyre starts to sink in the engine
has to work that little bit harder to get through.
To maintain forward momentum,
a slight increase in speed will see if tyres float
on top of the sand rather that sinking through.
And lastly, number 7,
be sure to change your speed gradually,
avoid sudden acceleration or slamming on the breaks
as doing either will push you into the sand.
Rapid breaking will push the sand in front of your tyres
and sudden acceleration will sink you deeper
into the sand as the tyres spin.
The best way to stop is to slow down
by taking the foot off the pedal
and have the sands traction stop the vehicle.
To speed up, gently but steadily press on the accelerator.
So that's Briohny from
Accelerate Auto Electrics and Air-Conditioning
with 7 top tips for driving on the beach this summer.
If you want more information or advice
follow our youtube channel
or check out our blog amae.net.au/blog.