Tom Sheppard - Four by four driving techniques and vehicle expedition driving

Evolving from its four previous incarnations – The Land Rover Experience followed by the 1999/2004 editions of the 'brand-neutral' Off-roader driving – FOUR-BY-FOUR DRIVING was first published in 2006. This fully revised and expanded 2nd edition adds to its long-established credentials among the professional and off-road community by addressing a new demographic – those new to the idea of acquiring a four-by-four.

Recent winters have reminded us that four-wheel drive is not just for farmers and explorers. It has real daily application for those dark mornings when earning a crust cannot be put on hold just because the gritters haven't made it down your road yet.

'Soft-roaders' and 'crossovers' are immeasurably smarter than they were even five years ago and, through the ingenuity of the engineers, provide all-wheel grip and everyday utility whilst avoiding the weight, cost and fuel consumption of jungle-jumbo 4x4 leviathans.

The complexity of 21st century, computer-test-dependent cars has distanced many from detailed familiarity with how everything works. This book shows that, despite the slippery brochures that major on the cup-holders and audio wattage, nothing is so complicated it can't be explained logically.

First explaining basics, cutting through the three-letter acronyms, parroted media clichés and gimmicky trade names, the book goes on to give an even-handed look at buying-choice criteria and the ever-converging 'soft-roader' / 'off-roader' divide.

There's a uniquely incisive and practical analysis of the dynamics of towing – caravans, cargo or horse-boxes – for which many 4x4s are bought. There's a 33-page 'Expedition basics' section too.

As in the previous edition, there is a step-by-step and wide ranging look at all aspects of using a 4x4 off-road safely – and non-damagingly, to either the vehicle or the environment.

For the experienced, valuable techniques and advice. For novices, a glimpse of their vehicle's performance envelope and wild-country capability – and elimination of white knuckles.

Four-by-four driving - Edn 2