Prepare Your Ford for Off-Road Travel
After deciding that you want to venture far beyond Dothan roads, you might not be sure where to start when preparing. Let’s help you with some tips that show you what it takes for your Ford to be ready for nature’s trails. If you need more help with knowing what to do beforehand, visit Gilland Ford soon!
Know Your Vehicle
Before heading off the beaten path in your Ford Bronco Sport or F-150, you should think about if it has the mechanical capabilities for it. To know if it’s truly prepared, see if it has road-grip-enhancing features, like the Terrain Management System™1. This feature particularly has helpful options, like Rock Crawl, Sand/Snow, and more to adjust your vehicle to certain conditions, such as climbing. Also, having Ford Trail Control™2 can enhance your safety when traveling at low speeds through tough roads, since you won’t have to think about adjusting your pace. High-end drivetrains, like the Advanced 4x4 with Twin Clutch Rear-Drive Unit system, can help you overcome troublesome situations where you may lose road grip. Also, make sure that your vehicle’s ground clearance is high enough to mount over craggy rocks or cross low streams of water and avoid undercarriage damage.
Learn Your Terrain
After familiarizing yourself with the Ford model you drive, let’s now help you learn more about terrain here in Alabama. Places like the Kentuck OHV Trailhead is where you may run into mud. When traveling in this type of terrain, it's essential to be aware that mud can be slippery, which requires a vehicle that can overcome these conditions, such as the Ranger. If you feel adventurous to try your hand at the Little River Backcountry Road, this location is where you can find rocky ground. On terrain like this, you’ll want to take your time and not barrel through it. Likewise, you should keep in mind to drive carefully on any muddy paths in this location. To learn more about possible vacation spots where you can go off-roading, speak to our team or check out the navigation tools available with the latest SYNC®3 technology.
Off-Road Maintenance
Before making your first adventure through the wilderness, consider having certain maintenance completed at our Service Center. Let us inspect your car's suspension, since it captures shock along the way. Since you’re bound to come across craggy roads during your expedition, you’ll want us to ensure that all the parts inside are in top shape. To ensure that your oil is clean enough to properly lubricate your engine and that your battery has enough voltage for the road, let us inspect these as well. That way, you won’t run into any pitfalls of needing a jump start or having a malfunctioning engine away from town. For more tips on services to have done, chat with our technicians!
1. While all eight modes (up to seven in a series) are available on Bronco trims, with Sport featuring five of the seven — Sand, Slippery, Sport, Eco and Normal as standard — Ford Bronco Sport Badlands offers an additional two modes: Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl, bringing its total to seven G.O.A.T. Modes. **Baja mode replaces Sport mode on Bronco, bringing the total to seven G.O.A.T. Modes.
2. Always consult the owner's manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty and use appropriate safety gear.
3. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.