This copy first appeared in Getaway Magazine March 2012 as Jacked up: Bush mechanics

 Bush mechanics 101

 Prepare yourself for breakdowns in remote areas by doing a bush mechanics course.

 When hitting the trail – especially a remote one – the biggest concern is always your vehicle’s reliability. That’s why it’s commonly regarded as good practice to drive in a convoy and have radio comms with other vehicles. A bush mechanics course is another precaution everyone should consider.

Some time ago I attended Herman Engelbrecht of Adventure 4×4 Academy’s weekend bush mechanics course and came away with a wealth of excellent, if not potentially lifesaving, information.

The course is structured to ‘get you to the first repairer with easy step-by-step guides to get your vehicle running again.’ It’s fun and is incredibly comprehensive, covering  basic component identification and function, 4×4 operation, electrics, vehicle examination and pre-trip inspection. He also works through how to tackle common and uncommon failures of:

• Brakes
• Clutch
• Electrics
• Fanbelts
• Cooling
• Exhausts
• Fuel problems
• Suspension
• Tyres

Each aspect is covered thoroughly and Herman, with a wicked sense of humour and tons of patience, advises on general maintenance and prevention (which is always the best solution). You’ll come away with the knowledge of what to check for in the event of a failure, so you can determine the nature of the fault and how to get the vehicle going again.

The camaraderie was excellent as we all learned a combination how preparation, knowledge and determination can get you out of a sticky situation.

Among the more practical bloudraad-and-pliers solutions, you’ll learn your wife’s stockings aren’t going to work as a fanbelt and that brake fluid can be substituted with pee, soft drinks can stop your clutch slipping as well as how to tackle a water-pipe failure with a bandage and a tube of silicon sealer.

Tip: One strand of multi core copper wire is equal to about 10Amps when repairing a blown fuse.

The course also covers fault-finding, steps to take when towing a permanent four-wheel-drive vehicle as well as what to do in emergencies such as a rollover or an engine that’s been submerged – for example, we learned how to weld steel using a car battery, a bit of preparation and lots of ingenuity.

Regardless of your mechanical knowledge or experience, a course like this is a great confidence builder. Knowledge is, after all, power.

For more information about this and other 4×4 training courses, cell 082-445-3301 or email [email protected].

TIP: Take comprehensive notes and keep them in your vehicle, there’s just so much invaluable information to take in and retain in one day.

BOOK A DAY WITH HERMAN

Herman runs these  Bush Mechanic courses countrywide and can also be booked to host at your venue. For more information about this and other 4×4 training courses call 082-445-3301 or email [email protected].

Bonus Video: How to: Pull-start a 4×4 with a recovery strap in an emergency