New to off-roading? Your guide to conquering 4x4 adventures with confidence

Prepping your car is vital, even if it’s a 4x4 that looks and feels like the real, rock-crawling deal. Searching for tenacious off-road tyres that fit your wheels with the Tyres Finder tool on eBay should be your first move, followed by any accessories crucial to the terrain you’re looking to explore. An affordable recovery kit is an essential starter, or there are full-bore electric winches if you're expecting to get really stuck out there. Get familiar with what’s underneath your car too, to make sure nothing vital can get violently struck by the terrain you’re traversing.

Consider investing in a set of recovery boards if you’re expecting tricky terrain, but don’t rely on them as a fix when you’re fresh in the game. And never attempt to push on if you’re beginning to get well and truly stuck. Turn around and find another route to explore. 

Even the most basic adventures need forward planning, with spare filters, engine oil and a tyre repair kit on board, as you figure out how your car behaves away from smooth tarmac. Think of it as a first-aid kit for your car – though don't forget to pack one of those for yourself too.

Next, it’s important to know exactly where you’re going. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? But if you’re navigating away from the beaten track, your regular phone apps won’t be fit for purpose. Paying for more dedicated GPS apps, buying old-school paper maps and guides and investing in some proper navigational equipment is crucial to staying safe. A GPS compass is as vital as a pack of band-aids and ought to help you out of the stickiest spots and pointing in the right direction. As a bonus, it can assist you with an unforgettable stargazing session should you set up camp for the night, too, hundreds of kilometres away from the ambient light of cities. 

Small, savvy tech solutions to stay safe should be front of mind. eBay has satellite phones and UHF adventure radio kits to bypass the inevitable lack of mobile phone signal while tow straps, traction boards and an air jack kit can keep you moving over tricky terrain, rather than being stranded in the sun scratching your head. Progress is always slower off the beaten track than you anticipate and fitting a strong light bar to keep you moving in the dark – or to cover those unexpected night time repairs – is a great shout, too. 

After all that hard work, you deserve to really bask in the destination. Fitting a roof tent not only lifts you firmly from the ground and its various critters for a great night’s sleep, but frees up space inside your car for important food supplies and safety kit. Make sure you pack a decent torch (nope, your phone won’t cut it) and some warm-weather clothes to keep you cosy at night.

Roof racks, interior dividers and drawer systems are all available on eBay too, keeping everything secure and easily accessible – no fumbling for vital equipment in the heat of the moment. While an organised boot might tempt you to truly pack everything including the kitchen sink, overloading will impact fuel consumption and how easily your 4x4 handles the dirt. Mindful packing is important for newbies and a collapsible table and chairs, compact cook set and a smart portable fridge should set you up for a comfortable break outdoors without the bulk.