Mitsubishi Delica User Manual page 20

(4) Snow chains are useful [25].
(5) If slippage develops, slow down to regain traction [21].
SAND
(1) Carry an air pump, at least manual.
(2) There are different opinions about speed: some say slow down [18], others
say use high speed [20].
(3) Use 4H
(4) Drive a straight course [18]
(5) In general, deflate the tyres to 140 kPa (20 psi) [20]. For Delica the range
seems to be 140 - 70 kPa (1.4 - 0.7 bar or 20-10 psi) [7]
(6) Drive straight up slopes (not along the contour)
(7) Avoid sandy beaches if possible [18]
(8) Driving on beaches: take a tide chart, drive at low tide, park on the dry sand
(never the wet sand), front towards the sea [20]. Take off downhill [20] as this
reduces the weight on the rear wheels, and allows speed to build up. When
driving along the beach the rear of the vehicle may try to slip downwards - the
solution is to steer slightly towards rather than away from the sea to build up
speed [20].
(9) Avoid undamaged dunes, and areas where there are plants (however small).
(10) Keep speed under 60km/hr on sand on deflated tyres (50km/hr on hard
surfaces), reinflate tyres as soon as possible [20]
RIVER CROSSINGS
(1) Get out and check. Forget it if the flow is fast [18] - find an alternative route
[20].
(2) Walk through. But not in Australian rivers where there are crocodiles.
(3) Check what the river bottom consists of. Check for holes. Find a shallow route
[20].
(4) Be cautious: 'Most 4WD vehicles can only cross about 0.6m depth of water
before the risk of damage; drivers should check their owner's manual. Even if
the vehicle is capable of a deeper crossing, the strong current can easily
wash 4WDs away!' [19]. Also, 'if the water level is above tyre height or axle
deep you should not cross unless you have prepared your vehicle' [20], since
deeper water can result in water in the differentials and the engine stalling. A
depth half way up the wheels of the Delica might be a sensible limit.
(5) Open all windows and unlock doors in case you need to escape in a hurry
[20].
(6) Look for any markers left by other drivers [18].
(7) Don't drive against the current - go straight across or slightly downstream [25].
(8) Select the gear needed to get up the other side riverbank [18].
(9) Drive slowly.
(10) Keep a constant speed [18].
(11) Don't change gears mid stream.
(12) Don't drive up or down shallow rivers as this destroys the river habitat.
(13) Afterwards, dry out the brakes by driving a short distance with them lightly
applied [25].
(14) May have to check air cleaner for water [25].
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