Unprecedented times are upon us. We’re staying home for the benefit of our community and relying on our essential workers to keep our countries’ wheels turning. So what can we do to stay excited about our 4WD adventures while our 4WD is safely tucked away?
The government has brought in new measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Agree or disagree, our States are closing borders and we are all hopefully complying with the new non-essential travel rules and staying home.
If you’re reading this then you, like us at first time 4WD, love getting out with our 4WDs and exploring – but, for now, we can’t do that!
So what can we do to stay inspired?
1 – Be prepared for the end.
No, we don’t mean the end of existence as we know it. We mean the end of the closed borders and travel restrictions. How about we start planning that next trip now? Many of us are having to eat into our annual leave; some of us have none left and are relying on government assistance to keep food on the table.
Whatever your personal circumstances, let’s give ourselves something to look forward to.
Start mapping out that next adventure. Print out some maps and highlight that route that you’re going to take when this is over. Remember those parts of our country that are still in the midst of, or are recovering from drought or bushfire. Can your adventure support them?
Maybe it’s just a day trip that you’ll need once this is over. One to just get you out of the house. Our 4WD parks may be closed at the moment, but as soon as we reach the other side of this they’ll be looking for – and needing – our support.
Maybe you could combine both and do a day trip, then stay the night at Jakem Farm? What an amazing facility in South Australia that only gets better every time we visit!
2 – Let’s go through that recovery gear.
When is that last time you actually went through your recovery equipment? You know, that stuff that only comes out of the bag when you REALLY need it?
Let’s open up that recovery bag and get all that gear out. Give it a clean and inspect it. Get the grit and mud and sand out of the material of those straps.
Is it time to replace that snatch strap, winch extension or equaliser strap? is it time to upgrade those bow shackles with the safer alternative of soft shackles? Does that winch block need some grease, or does it have too much freeplay and it’s going to get your winch rope or cable jammed mid recovery?
TJM Adelaide are taking every precaution they can to stay open during the COVID-19 safety restrictions. Have a talk to the guys and girls about what you need and how you can collect it or get it delivered. Make sure you let them know that first time 4WD sent you!
*Stay tuned for future blogs and facebook posts on checking your recovery gear, including checking your winch.
3 – Give your pride and joy some TLC.
When’s the last time your 4WD was serviced? Now’s the time to move the winch controller to get that service book out from the bottom of the glove box, or look at the service sticker on the windscreen.
Do you service your own beast? Many auto suppliers are delivering now and those Easter catalogues are hitting mail boxes at the moment.
Do you send out your pride and joy for some love? Service centres are still open as an essential service and are adapting the way they do business to minimise personal contact. If you don’t have that trusted person that looks after you yet, talk to Corey and the team at Bridgestone Select Golden Grove and Modbury. They can service, repair, upgrade, wheel align, and fit new boots to your beast – and they know 4WDs!
You can even kill two birds with that one stone – get your compressor out and check your tyre pressures. Now you know that your pressures are correct and your compressor and tyre gauge work!
Wind out that winch rope, move it to free spool. Does it work freely and is your cable or rope still in good condition?
4 – Go camping in your back yard!
Easter is approaching fast, so maybe plan a trip to the great outdoors… in your back yard! It’s the perfect opportunity to get that camping gear out, set it up and give it a good check over. Is something not working correctly, or is it just plain worn out? (Hey if your tent or camper trailer is leaking, better to discover that when you can move back inside the house right away!)
If something needs replacing, talk to BCF Modbury. They will happily match the best price going for first time 4WD followers and will send the items directly to you.
5 – Stay safe.
Staying home with the kids and home schooling, working from home, or just having to be at home by yourself; being cooped up can take its toll.
Please, look after your physical and mental health. Get outside when you can, take a walk or a drive to get essentials, keeping in mind the social distancing rules of being 1.5 metres from others. Connect with family and friends online. Don’t just text or chat, get yourself presentable and use FaceTime or video chat – take it from us, you’ll feel better for it.
From our family to yours, stay well and be safe.
