Bush Mechanics 101 – Make emergency repairs to your 4×4 yourself Posted on 19 February 2012 This copy first appeared in Getaway Magazine March 2012 as Jacked up: Bush mechanics Bush mechanics 101 Prepare yourself for breakdowns in remote areas by doing a bush mechanics course. When hitting the trail – especially a remote one – the biggest concern is always your vehicle’s reliability. That’s why it’s commonly regarded as good practice to drive in a convoy and have radio comms with other vehicles. A bush mechanics course is another precaution everyone should consider. Some time ago I attended Herman Engelbrecht of Adventure 4×4 Academy’s weekend bush mechanics course and came away with a wealth of excellent, if not potentially lifesaving, information. The course is structured to ‘get you to the first repairer with easy step-by-step guides to get your vehicle running again.’ It’s fun and is incredibly comprehensive, covering basic component identification and function, 4×4 operation, electrics, vehicle examination and pre-trip inspection. He also works through how to tackle common and uncommon failures of: Brakes Clutch Electrics Fanbelts Cooling Exhausts Fuel problems Suspension Tyres Each aspect is covered thoroughly and Herman, with a wicked sense of humour and tons of patience, advises on general maintenance and prevention (which is always the best solution). You’ll come away with the knowledge of what to check for in the event of a failure, so you can determine the nature of the fault and how to get the vehicle going again. The camaraderie was excellent as we all learned a combination how preparation, knowledge and determination can get you out of a sticky situation. Among the more practical bloudraad-and-pliers solutions, you’ll learn your wife’s stockings aren’t going to work as a fanbelt and that brake fluid can be substituted with pee, soft drinks can stop your clutch slipping as well as how to tackle a water-pipe failure with a bandage and a tube of silicon sealer. Tip: One strand of multi core copper wire is equal to about 10Amps when repairing a blown fuse. The course also covers fault-finding, steps to take when towing a permanent four-wheel-drive vehicle as well as what to do in emergencies such as a rollover or an engine that’s been submerged – for example, we learned how to weld steel using a car battery, a bit of preparation and lots of ingenuity. Regardless of your mechanical knowledge or experience, a course like this is a great confidence builder. Knowledge is, after all, power. For more information about this and other 4×4 training courses, cell 082-445-3301 or email [email protected]. TIP: Take comprehensive notes and keep them in your vehicle, there’s just so much invaluable information to take in and retain in one day. BOOK A DAY WITH HERMAN Herman runs these Bush Mechanic courses countrywide and can also be booked to host at your venue. For more information about this and other 4×4 training courses call 082-445-3301 or email [email protected]. Bonus Video: How to: Pull-start a 4×4 with a recovery strap in an emergency Related Posts Off-the-beaten-path ultra marathon events in Africa 12 August 2021 We’ve found a few lesser-known trail running events that’ll reward you with unforgettable experiences and... read more The Wellington wanderer 20 January 2021 To understand the nature of a place, head first to the old age home and... read more Avoid the queue take the 62 9 December 2020 Many a road leads to (and from) Cape Town but for charming, quirky, and outright... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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