Essential Summer Driving Tips for 4WD Lovers in the Philippines
Essential Summer Driving Tips for 4WD Lovers in the Philippines
Off-road driving is gaining remarkable popularity in the Philippines, inspired by its breathtaking landscapes of mountains and coastlines. This trend has given rise to vibrant off-road clubs and communities, cultivating a spirit of camaraderie among enthusiasts and highlighting the stunning beauty of the country.
With longer daylight, clear visibility, and dry trails, driving in summer has easily become a better choice for 4WD lovers. In this article, we will share essential summer driving tips to ensure you make your summer off-road journey not just safe but also enjoyable.
Plan Your Trails
Are you looking for some popular destinations in the Philippines? We’ve got you covered! This country boasts several popular off-roading trails that are particularly well-suited for exploration during the dry season, starting from November to May.
- Mount Pinatubo in Luzon is a popular trekking destination featuring challenging terrain and a scenic crater lake. A 4x4 vehicle is needed to access the area, especially during the dry season, for better navigation and views.
- The Green Lava Trail near Mayon Volcano in Albay offers stunning views of the iconic cone-shaped volcano, which is especially popular during the dry season.
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park in Danao City, Cebu, has lush surroundings. The dry season is the ideal period for visiting. The terrain in Danasan can be quite challenging, featuring rocky paths and muddy areas, which may require modified vehicles to access certain sections.
- The Chocolate Hills of Bohol offer a unique off-roading experience through unpaved roads and dirt trails that wind around these distinctive cone-shaped hills. The hills are particularly striking during the dry season, when the grass turns brown, resembling chocolate, hence their name, with the peak viewing period being from February to April.
- In Northern Mindanao, Project Rupert in Taglimao is a dedicated route catering to off-road enthusiasts. Spanning varied terrains from paved to dirt roads, it offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for those looking to explore more secluded destinations.
While there’s no actual summer in the Philippines, you'll still want to keep the following summer driving tips in mind to navigate the trails effectively.
Pick the Best Time
Before embarking on your summer trip, it's essential to check both the weather and road conditions. To make your journey more comfortable, try to avoid traveling during peak heat hours. If feasible, plan your trip for early morning to steer clear of the hottest parts of the day.
Check All Parts and Fluids
Rubber components, plastic parts, hoses, and belts can be adversely affected by extreme heat while driving in summer. It’s important to inspect these items for any signs of unusual wear or damage to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Aside from checking parts of your vehicle, you should also check the fluids, such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield wiper fluid are at the correct levels to prevent engine overheating when the temperature rises. If you don’t know how to do all of these yourself, just visit your nearest service center.
Choose the Right Tires for Summer Offroading
Off-roading exerts significant stress on tires, far exceeding that of paved roads. The diverse terrains, such as gravel, mud, sand, and rocky paths, can lead to accelerated wear. To handle these conditions effectively, it’s essential to choose tires designed for off-roading, featuring enhanced durability, traction, and strong sidewalls.
Monitor Tire Pressure
Hot weather can cause the air inside your 4x4 tires to expand, leading to overinflation. Check your tire pressure and maintain it within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Properly inflated tyres will improve fuel efficiency and reduce the risk of blowouts.
Prepare Off-Roading Essentials
It’s important to be ready for unforeseen circumstances by having these tools on hand.
- Keep a spare tire, repair kits, basic tools, and jumper cables in your vehicle just in case
- A fire extinguisher to effectively manage and control the flames when needed
- First-aid supplies for treating minor injuries
- Effective communication devices such as walkie-talkies are critical, especially when traveling in a group or in areas with limited or no cellular service
- GPS device, along with physical map and compass as backups
Carry Sufficient Water and Snacks
Staying hydrated is essential, especially during long drives in hot weather. Dehydration can impair your concentration and driving skills. In some remote areas, access to potable water might be limited. Therefore, it is crucial to carry an ample supply of water for drinking, cooking (if applicable), and personal hygiene.
To ensure you stay refreshed while driving in summer, consider bringing a sufficient supply of water and a cooler filled with ice cubes on your journey. You should also use insulated water bottles to keep your water cool throughout the day.
Non-perishable snacks can help keep your energy up during long waits, like breaks or car maintenance. Choose snacks that have a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Be Mindful of Potential Hazard
- Sun Glare: During summer in the Philippines, glare from the sun can significantly impact visibility. Always keep sunglasses handy and use your car's sun visor in bright conditions.
- Wildlife Activity: With animals coming out of hibernation for mating season, be watchful for wildlife crossing roadways to avoid accidents. You can observe and enjoy those animals, but always from afar.
- Road Conditions: Summer driving requires vigilance for potholes and cracks worsened by heat and heavy use. These road imperfections can potentially damage tires, wheels, and suspension systems, causing loss of control. It’s advisable to adjust your speed when encountering areas with deteriorated road conditions.
Take Breaks Frequently
Taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining hydration and energy levels during high temperatures. These breaks provide an opportunity to stretch your body and rest your mind, which helps ensure that you will be alert and focused when getting back on the trail. Breaks also help prevent the engine from overheating.
Stay in the Shade
When parking your vehicle, it's advisable to avoid direct sunlight. Whenever possible, seek out shaded areas to minimize heat exposure. Use sunshades for the windshield and windows to block sunlight. Additionally, it's best to turn off the engine rather than leave it running while parked.
Use A/C Wisely
When driving in summer, it’s important to stay comfortable, but be mindful that overusing the air conditioning system can put extra strain on your vehicle’s engine. To maintain optimal performance and prevent engine overheating, use the air conditioning moderately and only turn it up when necessary.
Enjoy a Beautiful Summer in the Philippines with BFGoodrich Tires
For the last summer driving tip, equip your vehicle with BFGoodrich tires for better performance and longevity on various terrains across the country. With the advanced technology and innovative design of BFGOODRICH All-Terrain T/A KO3, you will enjoy the driving experience for years and drive confidently with it on all trails you wish to overcome.