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The Defender is a legendary off-road vehicle, designed to conquer the terrains most vehicles wouldn’t dare tackle. With a heritage rooted in rugged landscapes, the Defender is totally at home on muddy trails, rocky inclines and even desert dunes (should you happen to come across any of these!) However, to get the absolute best out of this capable vehicle, it’s essential to know some key off-road driving tactics. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or new to the world of trails, here are some of our top tips for mastering off-road adventures in your Defender.
1. Know your terrain modes
Depending on the age of your Defender, you may or may not have all of these terrain features, but one of the Defender’s greatest advantages is its Terrain Response system which allows drivers to tailor the vehicle’s settings to match specific off-road conditions. Before heading off-road, familiarise yourself with the various modes, which will likely include:
Grass/Gravel/Snow: This is ideal for slippery surfaces where traction is a concern.
Mud and Ruts: This is designed to maintain momentum and avoid getting stuck in soft ground. Typically you’d look to be using a low range gear at the same time, like 2nd or 3rd.
Sand: This one adjusts accelerator sensitivity and traction control to prevent sinking into loose sand.
Rock Crawl: This optimises low-speed control for navigating over large rocks and boulders.
It’s important to switch to the appropriate mode before you start driving off-road to ensure that the Defender’s systems are working with the terrain, not against it. Always try to avoid wheel spin where you can - it results in a loss of momentum which is not ideal. If this does happen, ease off the accelerator to slow the tyres and get that necessary grip back.
2. Engage low range gears for steep inclines and descents
When tackling steep hills, whether going up or down, low-range gears are your best friend. Engaging low range gears in the Defender allows for greater control and more torque at low speeds, preventing wheel spin on the way up and ensuring a controlled descent on the way down.
Remember, when descending steep slopes, let the engine do the work by engaging Hill Descent Control (HDC). The Defender’s HDC will restrict the vehicle’s speed to a set limit, and automatically adjust the braking, leaving you free to focus on steering, thankfully.
3. Tyre pressure!
Tyre pressure plays a critical role in off-road performance. For loose surfaces like sand or mud, consider lowering your tyre pressure to increase the contact patch and improve grip. However, don’t go too low—keeping pressures around 20-25 psi is often a good balance but do consult the manual beforehand.
If you’re navigating rocky terrain, you may want to keep your tyres slightly more inflated than with softer ground, to protect the sidewalls from sharp rocks etc.
Always have an air compressor on hand to inflate the tyres once you’re back on the road.
4. Use momentum wisely
Off-road driving often requires balancing the right amount of momentum. In soft sand or mud, too little speed will cause the vehicle to sink, but too much can make it difficult to control. In these conditions, aim to maintain a steady pace without sudden acceleration or braking.
When approaching obstacles like rocks or logs, it’s best to slow down and approach at a controlled speed. The Defender’s excellent suspension will help you clear most obstacles, but rushing over rough terrain can lead to damage or getting stuck.
5. Plan your line carefully
Before attempting a tricky section of trail, take the time to assess your surroundings. If safe to do so, you can always get out of the vehicle if necessary and walk the path ahead to see how the land lies (quite literally!)
Planning your route in advance allows you to spot potential hazards such as large rocks, deep ruts, or hidden holes. When driving, try to keep one tyre on a high point (such as a ridge) to maximise clearance.
Also, take advantage of the Defender’s clearances and short overhangs, which will hopefully allow you to navigate sharp angles without scraping the undercarriage.
6. Engage locking differentials
Many Defenders will be equipped with centre and optional rear locking differentials, which can be lifesavers in certain off-road scenarios. When one or more wheels lose traction, locking the differential ensures that power is sent equally to both sides of the axle, maximising your chances of getting out of a sticky situation.
Lock the differentials for a short period when you need extra traction, such as when dealing with deep mud, loose gravel or large obstacles where you need maximum traction from all four wheels.
7. Stay calm in water crossings
The Defender has excellent wading capabilities, with a wading depth of generally up to 90 cm. The more modern ones may also have Wade Sensing technology which use sensors to monitor the depth of the water, and let the driver know about any potential issues.
When crossing streams or shallow rivers, take it slow and then build up more momentum, easing off as you emerge at the other side. Speeding through water can create waves that might flood the engine, and also any hidden obstacles could catch you off guard.
Always check the depth and flow of the water before crossing, and enter slowly to allow the vehicle to create a bow wave, helping to push water away from critical components.
8. Know your limits!
Even though the Defender is a beast when off-road, knowing when to turn around is key to your safety. If you’re faced with a particularly challenging obstacle or terrain that feels beyond your skill level, it’s okay to backtrack and find a safer route. Off-roading should be enjoyable, not hazardous…
Hopefully those tips are useful for you! Off-road driving in a Defender is all about preparation, technique and having a healthy respect for the terrain. By understanding how to use the vehicle’s advanced systems and employing the right tactics, you can navigate even the toughest landscapes with confidence, whether you’re exploring rugged mountains or desolate deserts.
Do get out there and enjoy those trails!
