My Subaru Issue 02
Welcome to My Subaru, a lifestyle-outdoor publication geared for Subaru enthusiasts. Our goal is simply to get out and have fun in our vehicles, exploring bush trails and open beaches, outdoor activities and great places to just kick back and relax. Murray Bridge Subaru have stepped forward as our key sponsor, so if you are in the market for a new Subaru, at least in Adelaide, we recommend you check them out. Over the coming issues, we’ll have a crack at some awesome outdoor activities, discover scenic destinations, play with some cool products and explore the Subaru range. So whether you are Subaru enthusiast or just love getting out and about, My Subaru is the channel for you.
Welcome to My Subaru, a lifestyle-outdoor publication geared for Subaru enthusiasts. Our goal is simply to get out and have fun in our vehicles, exploring bush trails and open beaches, outdoor activities and great places to just kick back and relax.
Murray Bridge Subaru have stepped forward as our key sponsor, so if you are in the market for a new Subaru, at least in Adelaide, we recommend you check them out.
Over the coming issues, we’ll have a crack at some awesome outdoor activities, discover scenic destinations, play with some cool products and explore the Subaru range. So whether you are Subaru enthusiast or just love getting out and about, My Subaru is the channel for you.
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22<br />
my subaru<br />
ECH<br />
TORQUE<br />
Paul Ewins<br />
TECH TORQUE<br />
Knowing the fundamentals<br />
of safe vehicle recovery is<br />
an essential element of all<br />
terrain pursuits. Paul Ewins<br />
explains.<br />
Vehicle recovery is an inherent part of off<br />
road driving, as sooner or later you’ll land<br />
yourself in a situation where a recovery is<br />
required. Knowing how to safely recover yourself<br />
may be the difference between a long walk to<br />
find help, injury or even death. While that may<br />
sound a little melodramatic, it’s a sad fact, but<br />
people die or are permanently injured in vehicle<br />
recoveries every year.<br />
Here’s some really basic steps you can take to<br />
help prevent becoming marooned:<br />
Use the ‘Stop, Think, Observe, Proceed’<br />
method each time you come to an obstacle.<br />
Understand that too much acceleration is as<br />
bad as not enough. Backing off slightly, may<br />
often allow the wheels to re-gain traction.<br />
Stop as soon as you lose traction, as you’ll only<br />
dig a hole and make the recovery harder than it<br />
needs to be.<br />
Consider reducing tyre pressures.<br />
Make a clear path for the tyres and dig out<br />
from underneath the car if necessary.<br />
Use traction planks like Maxtrax as a first resort.<br />
Use only rated recovery points - tow tongue<br />
replacements such as the Hayman Reese style<br />
hooks are excellent.<br />
NEVER use a tow-ball as a recovery point.<br />
When you become stuck, always ensure your<br />
hand brake is on and the car is in gear.<br />
Maintain constant communication using a UHF<br />
radio.<br />
Double check straps and shackles.<br />
Gear selection is crucial – ensure the car<br />
being recovered is using a higher gear than the<br />
car doing the recovery as you don’t want to be<br />
pulling against the car’s gearing.<br />
Ensure all spectators are well clear - 1.5 x<br />
length of strap is a good guide.<br />
Always start off with least amount of momentum.<br />
If the car isn’t freed after 4 – 5 attempts, stop<br />
and re-assess the situation. You may need to do<br />
some more digging or try a different approach.<br />
As soon as the car is free, stop and remove all<br />
straps and remember to wash and clean your<br />
straps when you get home.<br />
Driver training is available for members of the<br />
<strong>Subaru</strong> 4WD Club of SA. For further information<br />
about the club see www.subaru4wd.asn.au/
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