It is likely that your truck or SUV spends far more time on the street than off the road. If you plan on fixing that by getting onto the trails a few times a month, you really should prepare for serious off-road driving. You probably went to a Houston truck accessories shop and tricked out your machine, and you think it is a monster that is ready for anything. Before you get yourself in a bad situation, you should master a few driving skills and techniques to make sure you and your off-road vehicle come back unharmed. You do not want to be buying new Houston truck parts after your first off-road run.

You need patience, common sense and quick thinking to get the most out of your off-road adventures. You can also use some coaching. Ask for advice from the folks who have the muddiest trucks. Get some tips on what to avoid and areas where you need to use extra caution. The best off-road jaunts are safe ones. Toward that end, here are some off-road driving tips to help you master the terrain and your vehicle. They will help you have more fun and bring your truck home in one piece.

• Before you get going, check your truck for anything that might get snared or broken off while you are off road. Retract your radio antennae, and secure anything that is in the bed. Houston bed covers are great for protecting whatever you might normally carry.
• Although you will be out in the wilderness, you still have to be a good citizen. Respect the rights of others. Do not litter. Be polite if you encounter another off-road runner. Visit the T.R.E.A.D. Lightly website to watch some helpful videos with tips for off-road driving. Learn how to recover from a bad situation and how to stay out of one in the first place.
• Remember that you are in a truck or SUV, not a tank. Driving it may make you believe you are invincible, but stones, roots and branches may not share your opinion. It does not matter how much you have invested in your vehicle. It can and will break down at some time, especially if you do not respect its limits. Know your ground clearance, and keep your vehicle well maintained so that it responds quickly and smoothly.
• Even the simplest trails, or "green lanes," can give you fits if you take them at a high rate of speed. Off-roading is not about setting land-speed records. It is more like blazing a trail through a forest.
• Always be aware of the position of your front wheels regardless of the kind of terrain you are crossing. Sometimes, a vehicle can be thrown out of alignment. If you get stuck or are on a rough patch, lean out of your window and check the location of your wheels. That will help you guide yourself out of trouble. Slow and steady will get you out of a predicament better than fast and furious. If you get stuck, gently rock your truck back and forth until it gets enough traction to free itself.
• Do not grab the steering wheel in a tight grip with your thumbs wrapped around it. A quick kickback could snap your thumbs.
• Do not whip the steering wheel to overcorrect for a mistake. That will have little effect and could alter the alignment. Use slow movements to steer.
• Always go off-roading with a friend. It is safer and more fun. Have a planned meeting point in case you get separated. Use walkie-talkies to stay in touch. Help each other through the tough spots.

Following this advice and developing the needed skills will help you have safe off-road ride adventures.