Driving in the mountains and wadis of Saudi Arabia is less demanding than sand driving. Many tracks are graded and in good condition, so there is less chance of getting stuck. The main things to consider are speed control on loose surfaces – it is possible to skid off the road or roll your car even on graded roads – and to exercise caution on steep gradients and near big drops. You should also watch out for sudden appearances by wild animals and reckless drivers.
When driving along rocky wadi beds, negotiate large rocks carefully so that you don’t leave your undercarriage or exhaust behind, or end up perched on a boulder with your tyres spinning in the air. When driving over rough sections of track, try to keep your wheels on the highest points so nothing will catch the underneath of the vehicle.
Remember that wadis are just empty riverbeds, so although they are dry for most of the year, they can suddenly fill with water. Rainfall several kilometres away will find the quickest way out of the mountains in its catchment area – so even if there are clear skies and bright sunshine above the wadi you are in, it can very quickly start filling up with water. Any sign of rain in the area, however slight, should be seen as a warning not to venture into the wadis. If you are caught in a flash flood, head for the highest ground you can reach and be prepared to abandon your vehicle if necessary.
See the 'Doing Your Bit' advice in the 'Activities' section to learn how to minimise the footprint you make on these rugged terrains with fragile ecosystems before you head out to explore them.
Tyres
Maintain normal to slightly higher than normal tyre pressure when driving on rough tracks to prevent sidewall damage and punctures from sharp rocks. Try to pick lines through rocks that will minimise damage to your tyres and maintain a steady speed. Not only will this help to prevent unnecessary damage to your tyres, but it will be a comfier ride as well.
Gears
Drive in 4WD using normal gears and always check ahead to avoid large boulders or holes that can cause damage to your vehicle. Know your ground clearance and negotiate your route accordingly.
Engage low range for rocky, challenging spots and steep ups and downs. If you are driving a manual car, this means that you are not constantly using the clutch to change up or down a gear, so your progress is much smoother and more controlled.
For a steep downhill you should let the engine do the braking, and for a very steep uphill, low range gives you the increased traction and power to reach the top. The difference between low range, high range and diff-lock is explained in the 'Your Vehicle' section.
Wadi Crossing
Before crossing a water-filled wadi, test the depth and strength of the flow by a quick visual check or by wading in carefully. If it is fine to cross, use a low gear at a steady 5–10km/h, depending on the width of the wadi. If you have a long way to go, you may want to engage the diff-lock or low range. If you drive steadily into the water you can create a wave, behind which it is then possible to drive through the wadi, pushing the water out of your way all the way to the other side. Maintain slightly higher than normal revs as this keeps the engine hot and prevents it from stalling easily. If the water is deep, think again. If you’re in a busy area, spend some time watching others complete the crossing to gauge your chances of success. If you’re experienced and in good company, and decide to cross, remove the fan belt to prevent it from drawing in water. Vehicle manufacturers generally have a stated maximum depth that their vehicle can safely accommodate. If in convoy, wait for the first vehicle to cross safely before following.
Getting Unstuck
If you become lodged on rocks, any attempt to move backward or forward may cause damage to the underside of the vehicle. In these situations, follow a similar technique to that used in the sand. Use a jack to raise the vehicle and then slowly fill the gaps underneath the tyres with stones until the car is raised above the obstruction. Remove the obstruction if possible, or otherwise build gradual ’ramps’ for the wheels to grip and drive up.
Sabkha Driving
Saudi Arabia, along with much of the Arabian Peninsula, has flat areas characterised by a crusty, salty layer of sand caused by the evaporation of saltwater. Known locally as sabkha, they are typically found in coastal areas and where the water table is close to the surface, such as 'Urayq al Bildan near Riyadh. In summer, dried salt flats are usually stable, but in the wetter months of winter their ability to support a vehicle is severely compromised. It is not advisable to drive across sabkha unless you absolutely have to. If you do, keep to existing tracks. Never stop on sabkha – keep driving until you hit firmer ground. If you stop and then try to restart, your tyres can break through the thin surface layer to the water below.
In coastal areas, the water level is also influenced by the tides. Therefore, an area you crossed relatively easily just an hour previously could suddenly be unstable on your return journey. While sabkha is not like quicksand and is able to support human weight, it is treacherous for vehicles. Even if you’ve brought all the precautionary equipment and buddies, getting stuck in sabkha is bad news and means your day will surely take a turn for the worse.
