Stuck in the mud

Stuck In the Mud

Bad roads are something which will always be around no matter where we find ourselves.

They could be roads leading to new developing communities, construction sites, farm lands and other places.

Artwork by CEWULE ANIMATIONS

For those living at newly developing areas, it gets worse when the rains set in. these roads gets messy and very unmotorable. Even though the roads get bad, some vehicles are built for such conditions.

So, why do some vehicle get stuck in the mud and others sail through.

 Tyre and tyre size

The tyres play a major role in the movement and stability of a vehicle. They act as a point of contact between the vehicle and the road.

Just as there are shoes for every occasion, there are tyres for every condition and terrain. In sub Saharan, there are two main seasons in the year i.e. rainy and dry season. Ideally, a vehicle owner should switch his or her tyres to suit the weather conditions. An “all terrain” tyre can also be used.

The size of the tyre should also be in the permissible range recommended by the manufacturer.

 Nature of the road

Some roads are very bad in nature. Irrespective of the kind of vehicle you are using, whether a pick-up truck, SUV or a heavy-duty, you will still find it difficult to navigate your way through. Such roads need nothing except refixing to put them in a good shape.

Vehicle power and ground clearance

The power i.e. horsepower of the vehicle counts when the vehicle wants to navigate its way through a very bad road.

This is the reason in the mining industry, they for picks ups with a higher engine power and ground clearance, where ground clearance is the amount of clear space between the lowest part of the vehicle’s and the ground. Either than that, the vehicle will get stuck. Imagine driving a KIA PICANTO on the desert. You can’t go to war with a spoon.

 Driver experience

This is one factor which can never be ignored. A very good and experienced driver, just like an experienced ship captain can sail his way through the rocky seas no matter the magnitude of the tides.

The experience comes with driving in such terrain for a long time. It helps the driver to know which side of the road to use and not especially when it is covered by rain water. This is not written in any book.

A vehicle user can also gain experience from using one particular route for a long time. In such situations, an experience driver may even struggle when he or she uses that route for the first time.

 So, when you are going for a new vehicle, take these factors into consideration alongside your terrain and decide which one will be the best.

About the Author

Edmond Nana Cabir Flynt is a vehicle sales advisor and consultant based in Takoradi - Ghana. He is also a volunteer, an entrepreneur, and an auto show radio presenter.

For further enquiry, consultation, advertisement, product promotion (vehicle related), vehicle and accessory sale, contact him on the following numbers +233(0)209461930 /+233(0)548383591 and email nanaflynt@gmail.com

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