Abhishek Chikara

All the best @Zed and the team. I wish I had the skills or the confidence to join. But you've got a fan cheering for you from the sides.

Thank you everyone for kind remarks!

Thanks very much Jose

Thanks very much @Gaurav for the great news!! It made my day Looking forward to many many drives with the club!

Thanks very much @Frederic ,@DP1011 and @Srikumarfor the scenic drive yesterday. It was a ton of fun and a nice change from the usual drives

I am a beginner but my two cents - as long as you're using OFFROAD PLUS mode (the button closer to the bottom), you should be ok since it holds the gears longer. Incase you're driving in D, my understanding is that the transmission would change gears a lot more than is required since its geared towards fuel efficiency, leading to added wear. Rest, for manual, operations, once in Drive, just flip the gear lever to the left and then you move it up and down to reduce a gear or increase. For me, at times, its a lot more fun since it's quite responsive and I have always had a soft corners for MTs.

Thanks again @Davie Chase, @Emanuel and @Mehmet Volga for the fantastic drive yesterday. The location, guidance and contact support was truly amazing. Had a great time and looking forward to sign up for the next newbie drive dot at 7:00 pm tomorrow. Also, apologies for being late in the morning and holding up the convoy. One good came out of it though - learned how to deflate via tire valve core removal tool thanks to @Emanuel. Much faster than the ARB gauze I am using now and moving forward, will use it more frequently. I also had one question for the seniors here and would be grateful to @Davie Chase, @Emanuel and @Mehmet Volga for any guidance. Post the drive, I was cleaning my filter today and appears I have managed to bend three fins very slightly (I don’t remember using a lot of pressure but maybe I held it wrong and that little pressure was enough given that its mostly cellulose fibres). I have attached a picture and on mid-right you can see the slightly bent fins. I tried slightly to bend it back but didn’t work so I stopped instead of using more force. This filter is only a week old so its almost brand new. Is it ok to be used or should I go in for a new one? Since the size of pores are in microns, I am happy to replace if you suggest so (or maybe I am overthinking it here). Some background - basis another post I had read on Carnity, I do not use air hose to clean it and just gently tap it post a drive to remove any dirt. I also try to change the filter once every 2 months just to be on the safer side. Thank you!

A bit late but thanks again @JeromeFJ for picking a great location, amazing guidance throughout the drive and for towing me out of the smallest ridge that anyone got stuck in yesterday. Also, many thanks @Mark B for being patient with my questions and the guidance. Great drive and look forward to many more.

Thanks @JeromeFJ for your reply. It’s clear and will manage accordingly.

Hello.. I had a silly question to ask. It's ok to bring friends on the drive correct? Some office colleagues who'd be riding with my in my car. Thank you.

Just wanted to update. Went for a short drive today and implemented the suggestions that are given in this thread - Apart from the regular checklist (4H Part Time, 12 psi, Traction off, ESC off), as advised, I drove in Offroad Mode 95% of the time (let the auto do the job which was fantastic) and modulated the throttle instead of keeping it firmly pressed during the last drive. There was a world of difference and the experience was much better + I never hit the rev limiter. Thanks again for the advice.

Thank you @DP1011 for your suggestion. I was running 12 PSI on all tires and will keep the pressure in mind going forward. Also, noted on the AC and will keep it off for climbs. Thanks very much again.

Thank you and duly noted @RiadJL I will use the offroad mode during the next drive and hopefully it'll be much smoother since I am positive I am over stressing the engine presently in 1st gear even when not really required.

Thanks for your detailed advice @Gaurav I have tried the ‘off-road’ button once on dunes – the throttle was snappier and more eager to deliver power at gentle touches + it also held the gears longer and was less keen to downshift. Also, well noted your comment regarding driving in D and will try to maximize it during the next newbie drive. I did not do that because I was worried (which I now understand is wrong basis your comment) that I might find myself in a tricky situation requiring power while the transmission was hunting for the right gear or that it would keep changing the gears non stop and over work the transmission. Lastly, I am overwhelmed by the number of members willing to help out a newbie and truly appreciate your generosity with time and advice.

Great. It is crystal clear now. I will try it the way you’re suggesting the next time! Thanks again and really appreciate your guidance.

Thanks @Benjamin for the detailed reply. Apologies, I should have given some background with my post. Before starting the drive, I - Turn off Traction Control + ESC (pressing it until I hear the sound and it shows it is off on the screen) - I always use 4H part time (not 4H Auto) on the desert - Put gear box in manual and keep moving between 1st and 2nd and occasionally the 3rd if speed sustains on flatter grounds (have never used D on the desert) I will try what you are suggesting i.e., take my foot off while changing to 2nd from 1st gear since I did not do that under the impression that the computer automatically cuts the power off when the gear changes happen. Throughout the climb, my foot was pressed hard against the pedal at all times (hence, the power kept cutting and reappearing). Out of curiosity - do you feather the throttle as well on climbs or do you just lift the feet while changing gears? Once again, thanks for the detailed reply.

Great. Thanks Zubail. Appreciate your reply.

Hello. I had a question from yesterday’s drive and would appreciate any guidance from the seniors. While going up the big dune (where we went up, made a left and came down two times), my car was losing momentum in 2nd gear so I stayed in 1st gear. Due to lack of experience, I had my foot pressed on the pedal at all times. As a result, I would hit the rev limiter, engine would cut the power, revs would drop down to 5ish thousand but since my foot stayed planted, as soon as power was back, I would again hit the limiter and the process repeated. As a result, it was a jerky ride up with power cutting in and out. I am sure what I did was not right and maybe a better approach, in hindisght, would've been to feather the throttle on the way up but wanted to get your thoughts on the same. Thanks.

Thank you for your kind words @Emanuel

Thanks for the amazing first drive @Frederic! I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to many more. Also, would like to thank again @Imran Asghar, @Emanuel and @S Kumar for the constant support and guidance during the drive and for being very patient with my questions!! Best Abhishek

Hello. Thanks for your message. Pls see below the details - 1. I drive a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4 Door Rubicon 2. I have prior sand driving experience, having been on 5-6 light desert drives of 1-3 hours each 3. Yes, the vehicle had tow hooks in the front and the rear. 4. Yes, I have the radio and the flag to mount on the car. Thank you. best abhishek

Hello, I have just joined the club. Can I join on the Fewbie drive as my first drive? I have been on almost 6 desert drives in the past lasting about 2 hours each and believe this will be the right level. Pls advise and if so I will register for the event. best abhishek