Every 4WDer enjoys a run down the beach. It has an allure all of its own with sun, water and the white sand stretching ahead. Each state has its own share of beach drives with many of these falling into the iconic 4WD trips bucket list that we all hope to one day get to the end of. It’s a common sight to see hopeless situation with vehicles bogged to the axles as owners head off without considering the hazards and risks associated with beach driving. As a result, what should have been an incredible trip can end up being your worst nightmare – and just to think, it could be avoided if you carry the right gear like a portable 12v compressor.

The reality is, with a few basic precautions like carrying your 12v air compressor and pre-trip preparations you can conquer the toughest sand tracks in Australia with a minimum of fuss. In this article we will outline the essential beach driving tips and techniques. This will allow you to identify the hazards to ensure your adventure is an enjoyable one without unnecessary damage to your 4WD, or worse, leave you stuck in the sand below the high tide mark.

Look, the fact is that beach driving is just about as much fun as you can have in a 4WD. Most of the other ‘rules’ go out the window – you can give the throttle a stab, let her sing and generally play a bit more than in other terrains. But while sand is fairly forgiving, it can also slap you hard across the head if you do something wrong. We’ve all seen those pics floating around the net – 4WDs stuck below the high-tide mark, with waves crashing over them. Make no mistake – if you’re not carrying a 12v portable compressor, you’re just asking for trouble!

Beach driving isn’t anymore dangerous than any other type of 4WDing, but you do need your wits about you. Whether you’re reading this article before airing down for the first time, or you’re an old hand at running the dunes on the way to a nice deep gutter, the info in this article is gold!

It doesn’t matter what beach you are on or what state you are in, always remember the road rules apply. Most beaches have a fixed speed limit which needs adhering to. Because there’s no double lines the most essential point is when approaching other vehicles, you should attempt to keep left and make your intentions clear by indicating which side you intend to pass the other 4WD on. Overtaking should be done with all due care for all other beach users, pedestrians, fishermen and vehicles of any sort. Remember, we’re not the only people out there but we are the ones with the potential to cause the most damage. Finally, check to see if you need a permit for the beach you’re looking to drive on. Nothing ruins a trip like a fine from the local ranger just as you’re using your 12v air compressor to pump your tyres back up.

Check the tide times and heights for the beach you are driving on. Try to drive about an hour or so before low tide and don’t keep going beyond about the same time before high tide so you can get off the beach before you get stuck.

Any ocean beach that you can drive on will have tidal movements. If you plan on driving these beaches it’s essential to have on hand the tide times. The higher the tide and softer the sand, the more you’ll need to adjust your tyre pressures with the use of a Thumper air compressor. Generally speaking, the more northern beaches have larger tidal movements of metres between the highs and lows, while southern shores might only be a few centimetres between these two extremes. Regardless, if you’re driving on the beach you need to know when the water is going to be at its highest and how high that it will get. It is best to start your drive on the beach an hour or so before low tide, so that you can drive through the lowest period of water level and on into the incoming tide while leaving yourself plenty of time to get off the beach or find a spot to park above the high water mark until the tide turns and the water level drops.

Before you even hit the sand, be aware that any beach driving is going to be harder on your vehicle than almost any other terrain. The drag from the sand strains the engine and transmission with the tendency to bog down or dig your tyres which increases the stresses placed on the 4WD. You need to make sure that your vehicle is well maintained and ready for these hard slogs. Beach recoveries can be very expensive! Don’t think hundreds of dollars, think thousands-especially if you are remote. So if you’re travelling any distance on the beach, make sure your vehicle is up to it and at all times carefully watch your engine temperature and your right foot. The most cost-effective pre-trip prep? A twin motor 12v air compressor!

Keep your momentum up and use the gears to give you the speed you need. Try to ensure you drive with the revs in the top end of your engine’s torque band, giving you ample power without working the engine excessively.

Just like any 4WD trip you’ll need to carry out all the standard recovery preparation such as including all the gear including rated recovery points front and rear, snatch straps appropriate to your vehicle weight, long handled shovels and of course, a quality tyre pressure gauge. When you get bogged (not if), these can be used to help form a ‘launch pad’ to get you back on top of the sand and driving again. Without this recovery gear, at some stage you may be left stuck hoping that someone comes along who has the right gear in time to save your 4WD from the incoming tide. Just remember if you drop your tyre pressures RIGHT down to get out of a sticky situation, you MUST air them back to standard beach driving pressures (approx. 18psi) with a portable 12v air compressor.