Thorough, rattle-free packing of equipment not only ensures its safety and durability but also allows the driver to feel easy and comfortable at the wheel. A rattle-free vehicle tends to be driven well and a vehicle driven smoothly and sympathetically lasts longer.

Route and transmission: The terrain to be encountered on the route governs choice of vehicles with four-wheel-drive (4x4) or two-wheel-drive (4x2). On tracks, for example, you may get by with a rugged 4x2 vehicle. Off tracks anywhere, take a 4x4.

Fuel: Metal jerry cans are the best choice because they’re extremely safe as well as being easy to handle.

How much should you carry? It’s as vital to carry sufficient fuel and reserves in the desert as it is not to overload the vehicle. Fuelling points are invariably widely spaced; the distance between them is a major criterion in selection of

For frequent off-road travellers, preparing a vehicle involves more than just a simple servicing, but it pays off. The writer has used the same mechanic for a number of years and explains to him what’s required of his vehicle and what kind of terrain he expects to encounter — also bearing in mind that all the trips in this book, and probably most others you’ll do in the Emirates, include some highway driving as well as off-road routes.

Tyres should be checked before and after driving off-road for damages and signs of wear and tear. You can do this as a matter of course when you adjust tyre pressures. A quick check under the car and under the bonnet is a wise precaution. You’ll often find that something has worked itself loose or come off while you were negotiating rocky tracks. Prompt attention to such defects may avoid accidents and costly repairs later.