When driving on forest trails and dirt paths, you’re going to encounter more than just a few rocks along the way. Heaps of leaves, twigs, and even a dead tree can be quite the obstacle. And since it’s going to be hard for your monster ride to mount something as large as a dead tree, you’ll have to find other ways to get rid of the obstacle lying on your path. So how do you get rid of fallen trees, large debris, and even a stalled vehicle that’s lying in front of your off-roading machine? Simple—enter the Nudge Bar.

What Is It?

The Nudge Bar is a favorite accessory for most off-roading drivers. That’s because this metal component does more powerful pushing than subtle nudging. It lets you move large objects using the front end of your vehicle.

Why Do You Need It?

Well, it certainly makes it easier for you to clear the path. With the nudge bar, you can easily get rid of large debris scattered on the road—all that without damaging your front bumper! It also offers you excellent protection in case you get into a front-end collision.

Where Do You Install It?

This component naturally installs on your front-end bumper. (Naturally—since it does the pushing when you step on the gas!)

Where Can You Get It?

Local auto parts stores usually carry nudge bars. But if you want a wide selection of nudge bars that come in different styles, conduct your search online.

With corporate team building activities becoming more and more popular these days, especially for big companies, it’s no surprise (at least to me and other off-road fanatics out there) that more and more executives are looking into off-roading team building. I mean, c’mon! What’s not to love about off-roading? Mounting their 4×4s over rocks, running over shallow streams–it’s solid fun for the entire group!

There’s the thrill of the unknown matched with the challenge of overcoming virtually all types of obstacles. It’s being one with nature with nature, the kick-a&& way.

If you and your company are planning a team building activity that involves 4×4 off-road driving, then here are some tips that may help you plan out your TBA properly. (That’s Team Building Activity folks, not To-Be-Announced).

1. Remember that it’s all about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Off-road driving is fun in general. But it stops being all fun and games when people start getting hurt. Now, if you’re planning this activity, chances are, you’re an off-roading guy yourself. But remember, some members of your team will be doing this for the first time…so, be gentle. Instead of going for tougher trails, settle for trails that are midway between boring and extreme. That way, nobody falls asleep as they ride on the back seat of their 4×4 vehicle.

2. Find the right rides, and make sure everyone gets the same type of off-roading vehicle. If possible, don’t give other teams an advantage when you give them a Jeep or a Truck, while the other struggles with an SUV. As much as possible, try to keep things equal. Meaning, if you’re going on a Jeep, rent other Jeeps for your team.

3. Split the squad in small groups. Depending on the number of people that are a part of your team, split everyone evenly. Encourage everyone to participate and to get to know their squad members.

4. Have the squads follow more experienced off-roaders. Think of it as a convoy that stops other squads from getting lost or veering off the trail.

5. Bring First-Aid Kits and pray you won’t need them. ‘Nuff said.

6. Have a trainer come and explain the mechanics of the challenge and the challenges ahead prior to starting the activity. This prepares everyone for what lies ahead.

7. Employ the help of pros in setting this activity up. Safety first! Let the pros handle the planning, the obstructions, and the best path (safest) to follow.

Pic from Outdoor-Sport-Leisure.net

Even the roughest of off-roading rides requires maintenance once in a while. Otherwise, you’ll end up pulled over to the side of the road, or in the middle of the forest trail (if you’re out having fun), with a vehicle that won’t start or move no matter how much you prod it. But sometimes, emergencies happen. The biggest emergency for any driver being having an overheating engine.

If you’ve never had an overheating vehicle, then you’re in luck. Since more and more drivers are dealing with this problem. Maybe it’s the heat, or maybe you’re pushing your vehicle too much too soon. But either way, the moment you have this problem, better be prepared for it.

Symptoms that your car is about to go into overheating mode include:

• rougher engine performance
• the temperature gauge on your dash indicates that your car is running at a hotter temperature
• trace amounts of white smoke are starting to escape from under your hood

When these symptoms appear, pull over!

Should your vehicle overheat while you’re on (or off) the road in the middle of nowhere, follow these simple instructions.

1. Keep your cool. Instead of releasing your frustration by immediately opening your hood and diving straight for your radiator, take a few minutes to calm down. That would also save you from getting your hands burned by the intense heat radiating from your engine.
2. Pop your hood. BUT don’t do anything just yet. Let your engine’s components cool down before you start touching anything under your hood. A 10-15 minute break should be good enough. If you think your engine’s components are still too hot to touch, use a rag or wait a few minutes more.
3. Check your coolant levels. You can do this by locating your coolant reservoir, coolant overflow tank, or slosh tank. This unit is situated near your radiator. If you can’t find it, check your owner’s manual. (They usually have diagrams that tell you where to locate the various parts of your car.) If your coolant overflow tank is empty, then you know why your car overheated.
4. Fill the tank up to the proper level with just water. On your next stop, make sure you buy another bottle of water just in case your vehicle overheats again.
5. Recheck the water levels once in a while and add more water if necessary until your vehicle starts running normally. If your vehicle continues running at fever range, take your car to the nearest garage. It’s possible that your problem lies in loose radiator hoses, a broken thermostat, or a busted radiator.
6. When the emergency is over, fill your tank with coolant-water mix.

Remember, when your vehicle gets too hot to handle, or if the temperature doesn’t go down even after you’ve finished all these steps, it might be best for you to contact a tow truck, or to have another vehicle bring your ride to the nearest garage.