Land Rover Defender 50th Owners Handbook Rover

Parts & accessories
138 After sales service
The After Sales Parts service is of paramount
importance, both in the UK and across the
world. In the UK there are over 100 authorised
Land Rover dealers, all computer linked for
rapid ordering of parts and accessories.
In addition, with franchised representation in
over 100 countries worldwide, Land Rover are
able to support your vehicle wherever you go.
Only Land Rover dealers are able to provide
the full range of recommended parts and
accessories that meet...

139 This section of the handbook is devoted to
your vehicles superb off-road driving
capabilities.
Before venturing off-road however, it is
absolutely essentialthat inexperienced
drivers become fully familiar with the vehicles
controls, in particular the transfer gearbox,
and also study the off-road driving techniques
described on the following pages.
SECTION 8
Off-road driving
Section Contents Page
Basic off-road techniques 141........................
Driving on soft surfaces & dry sand 145...........

140 

Off-road driving
141
WARNING
Off-road driving can be hazardous!
·DO NOT take unnecessary risks.
·Be prepared for emergencies at all
times.
·Your Land Rover has a higher ground
clearance and, therefore, a higher centre
of gravity than an ordinary passenger
car. An abrupt manoeuvre at an
inappropriate speed, or on an unstable
surface, could cause the vehicle to go
out of control.
·Familiarise yourself with the
recommended driving techniques in
order to minimise risks to yourself, your
vehicle AND your...

Off-road driving
142 Braking
As far as possible, vehicle speed should be
controlled through correct gear selection.
Application of the brake pedal should be kept
to an absolute minimum. Harsh braking on
wet, muddy or loose surfaces, could prove
dangerous.
NOTE:If the correct gear and gear range have
been selected, braking will be largely
unnecessary.
Use of engine for braking
Before descending steep slopes, stop the
vehicle at least a length before the descent,
move the gearshift lever to N, engage LOW...

Off-road driving
143 Ground clearance
Dont forget to allow for ground clearance
beneath the chassis, axles and under the front
and rear bumpers. Note that the axle
differentials are situated BELOW the chassis
and are positioned slightly to the RIGHT of the
centre of the vehicle. Note also that there are
other parts of the vehicle which may come
into contact with the ground; where possible,
attempt to avoid obstacles that may foul the
chassis or differentials.
Ground clearance is particularly important...

Off-road driving
144 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
After driving off-road
Before rejoining the public highway, or
driving at speeds above 25 mph (40
km/h), consideration should be given to
the following:
·Wheels and tyres must be cleaned of
mud and inspected for damage -
ensure there are no lumps or bulges
in the tyres, or exposure of the ply
or cord structure.
·Brake discs and calipers should be
examined and any stones or grit that
may affect braking efficiency
removed.
Servicing requirements
Vehicles operating...

Off-road driving
145 DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY SAND
The ideal technique for driving on soft ground
and dry sand, requires the vehicle to be kept
moving at all times - soft ground and sand
cause excessive drag on the wheels, resulting
in a rapid loss of motion once driving
momentum is lost. For this reason, gear
changing should be avoided.
·Engage the DIFF LOCK.
·Select the highest suitable gear and
REMAIN in that gear until a firm surface is
reached. It is generally advisable to use
LOW range gears,...

Off-road driving
146 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass)
·With the DIFF LOCK engaged, select D in
LOW range.
·Drive away using the MINIMUM possible
throttle opening.
·Drive slowly at all times, keeping braking
to a minimum and avoiding violent
movements of the steering wheel.
·Disengage the DIFF LOCK as soon as a
non slippery surface is reached.DRIVING ON ROUGH TRACKS
Although rough tracks can sometimes be
negotiated in normal drive, it is advisable to
lock the differential if...

Off-road driving
147 CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES
Engage the DIFF LOCK and ALWAYS follow
the fall line of the slope - travelling diagonally
could encourage the vehicle to slide broadside
down the slope.
Steep climbs will usually require the LOW gear
range. If the surface is loose or slippery, use
sufficient speed in the highest practical gear,
to take advantage of the vehicles momentum.
However, too high a speed over a bumpy
surface may result in a wheel lifting, causing
the vehicle to lose traction. In this...