Introductory 4x4 Training

INTRODUCTORY 4X4 TRAINING
This is a course mainly for the 4x4 beginner or anyone who just bought a 4x4 vehicle and he/she is not familiar with its operation. We focus on the vehicle's off-road features and when and how to use it safely in various conditions.

Price
R1200.00 per candidate which includes the use of the 4x4 track
Optional Extra: R 350 per candidate if you wish to attend a separate theoretical session on the Thursday evening before the practical. See details further down below.

Training Vouchers
We can issue training vouchers valid for 6 months as Birthday/Fathersday/Mothersday/Christmas gift.
Vouchers will not be redeemable for cash or transferable.

Duration of the course
This is a morning session from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Depending on the number of candidates we may end at a later time.
Please arrive on time.
The course is normally held on a Saturday morning.
See training schedule.

Training Venues
Practical Venue : Melkbos 4x4. Toilets are available.
For those who also want to attend the extra theoretical class
Venue for Theory : -will be held at 4 Jameson Ave, Door De Kraal, Bellville

What to bring with
(1). Your 4x4 vehicle with enough fuel.
(2). Protection against the weather. (hat, raincoat, sunglasses, gumboots, towel, sunscreen..)
(3). Preferable closed toe and heel shoes
(4). Own refreshments and 1.5liter drinking water.
(5). Vehicle's Owners Manual
(6). If available : air compressor and tyre pressure gauge
(7). Any recovery equipment you already have - not compulsory.
(8). Certified copy of ID should you want a certificate. Please print your email address clearly on the copy.

You are welcome to bring along your spouse free of charge. It is fine to bring along one child provided that he/she will not cause any disruptions to the instructor or other candidates during the course. Parents will take full responsibility the environment is not child friendly.

Driver Requirement
The candidate must have either a valid driver's license or familiar driving a vehicle on-road. The candidate must be able to smoothly pull away at a normal incline without rolling backwards or jumping the vehicle forward.

Attendance Certificate - Pdf format
We shall email you a certificate if you attend either the practical or theoretical session. A certified copy of ID is required should you require an attendance certificate of the training. Please print your email address clearly on the certified copy of the ID.

Training Manual
Each candidate who attended either the practical or theoretical session will receive the training manual in pdf format.

Optional Theoretical Session : 4x4 Knowledge :
A theoretical session requires a classroom environment with the right facilities which are not available at our 4x4 tracks. Also, there is just not enough time to discuss in detail the different 4WD configurations and working thereof on a practical day. To have the theoretical training on a separate date we find it also better to be able to absorb all the information. Normally we do the extra theory on the Thursday evening just before the practical day which is normally on a Saturday. We only run the theory when we have at least 3 candidates who can attend. You do not need to do the theory before the practical day, so it can be done afterwards with no disadvantage. The Theory is an extra but comes highly recommended for a full comprehensive understanding of your 4x4 Vehicle.

PRACTICAL LEARNING
YOUR VEHICLE - limitations and capabilities, ground clearance, approach-, departure-, ramp, rollover angles - dynamic vs static
YOUR VEHICLE - function of off-road features when and how to use it
YOUR VEHICLE - owner's manual instructions, correct shifting procedures
PREPARATION - fluid levels, dry grass and fires, cooling and heat exchange offroad
4WD SYSTEM - effect on slipping wheels with no or little traction
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVING SKILLS - ascents, descents, cross-axles, route selection, appointing a spotter, hand signals, mirrors, soft sand driving, momentum vs traction techniques, use of clutch, driving automatic vehicles, gearing, steering, braking, accelerating
TYRE PRESSURES -recommended off-road pressures for various terrains, datestamp
OFF-ROAD EQUIPMENT - tyre pressure gauge, air compressor, seednet, how to use, emergency equipment
BASIC RECOVERY - discussion basic recovery equipment, recovery points vs tie down points

THEORETICAL LEARNING
4WD VEHICLES (Petrol vs Diesel, Automatic vs Manual, Power vs Torque)
DRIVETRAIN (PartTime 4WD- ,Permanent 4WD-, AWD- and FullTime 4WD configurations, Function of Components)
4WD SYSTEM (understand what happen in the drivetrain when selecting 2WD, AWD, 4WD, Low Range, Engage Difflock, understand the effect of losing grip on one or more wheels specially going uphill or downhill, why not to engage a difflock for recovery, understand situations where wheels with traction cannot help even if 4WD mode is engaged, understand essential wheelslip and how windup will damage the drivetrain, understand the working of traction control and the difference to stability control )
SUSPENSIONS (Chassis, Springs, Axles, Suspensions, Articulation)
CONTROL SYSTEMS (ABS, Hill Descent Control-HDC/Downhill Assist Control/DAC, Anti-Stall, Traction Control, Stability Control ESC/EBD)
TYRES & PRESSURES ( Types, Markings, Recommended Pressures, Age, Inspection, influence of Load and Speed )
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVING KNOWLEDGE - terrain dependent techniques (sand , dunes, mud, snow, water crossings, rocks, mountains)