TGR Staff - 10/10/2023
SUVs or Sports utility vehicles are a type of car that sits higher off the road than a typical vehicle, making them both popular with the off-roading crowd as well as with families. However, if you have never owned or operated an SUV before, or you want to make sure you get the very best out of your sports utility vehicle then there are some important things you need to know. Read on to discover what they are.
The advantage of an SUV
Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of SUV ownership, it's important to take a brief look at the advantages this type of vehicle can provide. One of the most obvious benefits of choosing an SUV over another type of vehicle is that they offer much more room inside of the cabin including headroom, and leg room. This can make them a great deal more comfortable, especially for longer drives.
SUVs also offer a higher towing capability, which means they are great for owners wishing to pull trailers, caravans, boats, or bikes. SUVs also provide additional safety compared to regular cars. This is due to their height and weight which can help with handling even in bad weather conditions.
Things you need to know about driving an SUV
Now you understand some of the benefits of being an SUV owner, we can take a look at some of the most important things you need to know.
Speed and acceleration
The first of these is that if your SUV has 4-wheel drive it will be able to accelerate faster than a regular car. This means you have to be very careful with your speed when driving it. Especially as an SUV cannot slow down any faster, indeed, because they are larger it takes longer for them to slow down than a regular-sized vehicle. With that in mind, you will have to drive more slowly to ensure you can adhere to the stopping space rules of the road.
Off-roading and lift suspension
Next, if you are going to be spending a lot of time off-roading or navigating challenging terrain, then you’ll want to consider getting a lift kit. A life kit like the ones offered from Carli suspension are custom modifications that can be made to your SUV giving the bottom of your car even more clearance from the ground. This means it's much easier to off-road and drive over road obstacles that would otherwise stop a regular vehicle or an unmodified SUV.
Choosing your tires
Next, if you are going to get the most from your SUV you will need to carefully consider the tires you will use. Indeed, there are several important considerations to make when choosing tires including whether you will opt for passenger tires or truck tires. Read more about how to come to this decision here.
Additionally, it's also important that you make sure your SUV’s tires are correctly inflated at all times. This is because poorly inflated tires can contribute to issues with road control, especially in SUVs and lead to accidents.
Be mindful of the additional weight when towing
Many people invest in SUVs to make it easier for them to tow. However, when towing the center of your SUV’s gravity will change, and that means it will take a longer amount of time to stop safely. Fishtailing when towing a trailer or caravan is also an increased risk so it's important to be mindful of your speed and style of driving when towing with your SUV.
Check before you enter your vehicle
Just as driving an SUV gives you a better view when driving, and better clearance of road obstacles, it also presents you with a problem - being able to adequately see low-level objects. This means that you may miss something as important as a family pet or even a child as you drive off. To prevent these disasters from happening you must walk around every side of your vehicle before you enter to check it's clear.
Drive smooth
Due to the height of SUVs, they carry a higher risk of rolling over if they are not driven properly. This means it's vital that you drive as smoothly as possible, and where possible always avoid sudden or extreme turns.
Minimize rooftop storage
While it might be tempting to add additional storage space to your SUV by installing a roof rack or rooftop cargo carrier, it's best to avoid this where possible. This is because SUVs are already very high, and by adding additional height you will be changing your vehicle's center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over in case of an accident. To that end, where possible, always store your cargo/luggage inside.
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