Driving skills on sand for offroad enthusiasts.

Nguyen Hong Vinh is the first Vietnamese racer to be granted a racing license according to the standards of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), representing Vietnam in many international races. Since 2010, he has participated in numerous offroad competitions: twice in the Rain Forest Challenge in Malaysia (an offroad race among the top 5 most challenging in the world), three times in the Vietnam Offroad Cup, and the 2014 Rain Forest Challenge champion.

Skills for driving a vehicle on sandy terrain

According to Driving Instructor Hong Vinh, sand is one of the most challenging terrains due to its inherent risks. The uneven nature of sand makes it easy for vehicles to get stuck, and vehicles can sink unevenly at high speeds, leading to rollovers or severe damage.

"However, driving on sand is very exciting and has a certain degree of adventure. That's what makes driving on sandy terrain so appealing to car enthusiasts," said Driving Instructor Hong Vinh.

With the right knowledge and preparation, anyone can drive a four-wheel drive vehicle on sand. Driving Instructor Hong Vinh also outlines some skills for those who want to try. First, reduce tire pressure to create more traction, ideally to a minimum of 15 psi. Avoid sudden braking, as the front of the vehicle will sink and get stuck. Avoid stopping or slowing down on inclines; if you need to stop, choose a downhill or flat area.

Next, steer smoothly and gently. If you make a sharp turn, the front wheels will create significant drag and sink into the sand faster; try to follow the widest possible curves. Similarly, with the accelerator, pressing too hard will cause the wheels to dig holes and get stuck. Driving on sand requires a lot of power to overcome the sand's resistance. However, using too much power can ruin the driving process and lead to getting stuck.

Finally, if running on the beach, avoid the wet, waterlogged sand, as there are soft, sinking sands there. The easiest area to walk on is about 4 meters from the water's edge to the dry sand. This is where the sand is moist and has low sinking depth due to the ebb and flow of the tide.

Speaking about the outstanding features that help drivers easily navigate sand in the Range Rover, Driving Instructor Nguyen Hong Vinh shared: “There are many special technologies serving off-road driving in general and sandy terrain in particular. For example, Terrain Response and Terrain Response, Range Rover’s Intelligent AWD drivetrain technology, or the adaptive suspension system that can change the vehicle’s height… However, the human factor plays a crucial role. Understanding the vehicle and what it can do will determine its capabilities.”

Tips for handling a car stuck in sand.

Sand is a complex terrain; due to inaccurate light reflection, drivers can easily get lost on sandy surfaces. Therefore, concentration is crucial. Speed ​​should be avoided as it poses many risks due to insufficient time and the ability to handle sudden situations. The secret to driving on sand is "a balance between speed and maneuverability." The secret to off-road driving is "slow as possible and fast if necessary."

“The proper way to rescue a car stuck in sand is to dig out all the sand from under the vehicle, so that all four wheels are in contact with the sand. You can lower the tire pressure to as low as 8 psi in muddy situations, and it's best to place sandboards under the wheels to prevent the car from sinking. Note that lowering the tire pressure too much will prevent you from driving fast or on hard surfaces; reinflate the tires after you get out of the sandy terrain,” suggests Driving Instructor Hong Vinh.

With its long coastline, Vietnam has many places where you can try driving, and you don't necessarily have to go to the sand dunes to do so. Driving on the beach will give you the opportunity to see the real beauty of the scenery. However, to drive safely on sand, make sure you have a good vehicle, good skills, and do it cautiously.

Driving Instructor Nguyen Hong Vinh's sand driving demonstration at Tam Ky beach:

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao