KT Desert Drive: Check tyres to cruise the dunes

Videos on social media of desert drivers cruising up steep dunes with ease offer vicarious joy without the anxiety of getting caught in a mishap. But if you are keen on a real evening of fun and adventure, Khaleej Times' Desert Drive is the place to be this year.

Responding to the call of the sand dunes at a time of cooler, friendlier weather, the drive this year is heading to Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah. Khaleej Times does not encourage stunts on the dunes, but promises a funfilled evening that'll give adrenaline rushes to drivers and ensure a safe and joyous experience for all.

While you prepare for the drive day, we suggest paying extra attention to tyres. Goodyear tyres, for instance, provide excellent driving performance in all weather conditions all year long. Here are a few more tips for tyre safety.

Tyre pressure: The cardinal rule when driving on sand is to lower the tyre pressure. Recommended is about 20 per cent to allow tyres to adapt to the sand and help the car move easily. More precisely, the recommended tyre pressure for large and small 4WD vehicles should be between 14 and 16 psi.

Lower pressure in tyres will impact the car's 4WD abilities. Therefore, corner the vehicle with absolute caution and do it slowly, keeping your vehicle upright.

Also remember to inflate the tyres when back on the road or on firmer terrain. High speed driving on low tyre pressure can lead to a blowout or the vehicle rolling over. We recommend keeping a battery-powered air compressor in the car. Participants can also use one of the inflation checkpoints on the route.

Reliable tyres designed for sand driving are a must. A good tyre will make a considerable difference, allowing better interaction with slippery dunes. Tyre size and structure create grip that helps easier acceleration and turning. Speed: Avoid speeds of over 80kph when running on deflated tyres and avoid violent steering manoeuvres, as this may cause the tyre to pop off the rim. The Khaleej Times team recommends equal psi across all tyres.

Registrations can be done on our website: https://ktdesertdrive.com/. The event is sponsored by Trading Enterprises — Jeep is the leader of the pack as the lead sponsor for the event. Castrol is our exclusive lubricant partner; Goodyear is supporting us as a strategic sponsor; Nature Valley as nutrition sponsor; CAFU as mobile fuelling partner; Agthia is our water partner; Baskin-robbins and Galadari Brothers are our gold sponsors; and Al Hamra is the hospitality partner.