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Home > Car-Van-4x4 : Tyre care advice > Cross axle situations and ditches  
Cross axle situations and ditches Back to "Advice from Bibendum"
Articulation between axles

Study the terrain so that you know the area where the cross axle situation will occur.
Lock the central differential and rear axle differential where possible.
On a flat or up a hill, change into low ratio 2nd or 3rd gear, and into low ratio 1st when going downhill.
On a flat or up a hill, accelerate lightly just before the cross axle point.
When going downhill, brake lightly if necessary but never lock the wheels.
Should they lock, change into reverse and go back, then choose another line or speed.

Crossing a ditch

Set the vehicle up in front of the ditch, angled at approximately 45°. Provide for a sufficiently wide exit zone.
Lock the central differential and the rear axle differential where possible.
Cross the ditch very slowly in low ratio 1st gear using a very light throttle.
If the vehicle is stopped by excess articulation between axles, reverse.
Start again, taking a different line.
Accelerate hard to give you momentum to cross the ditch.
Ease off on the accelerator and let the rear wheels cross.

To find out everything about Michelin's 4x4 range, click here: To find out more
4x4 / Off Road Driving
 Before starting out
 Fording a river or crossing
 deep mud
 Ascending and descending
 Negotiating a step or a steep
 bank
 Cross axle situations and
 Crossing ditches
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