The sun is out, there’s salt in the air, and the tan lines are inevitable. Driving on the beach is fun but tricky, especially for the inexperienced. The consistency of sand vastly differs from the road’s hard and stable asphalt.
Whether it’s your first time driving on the beach or your tenth, these tips and reminders will help you navigate the uneven surface safely and confidently.
Check the Local Rules
While it’s fun to drive on the beach, you must double-check the area’s rules and regulations about it. Some beaches don’t allow vehicles and ones that do often have strict driving policies, such as restricting it to specific times and days.
Some places also require you to get a permit before driving. Of course, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t litter in the vicinity as a sign of respect for the locals who keep it clean.
Use a 4WD Vehicle
Using a 4WD vehicle is advantageous if you plan on driving on the beach because it provides better traction compared to two-wheel drives (2WD).
Using a 4WD vehicle is advantageous if you plan on driving on the beach because it provides better traction compared to two-wheel drives (2WD).
The added traction is due to the 4WD locking the front and rear driveshafts together, giving the axles more power for off-roading.
If you don’t have access to a 4WD vehicle, using a 2WD one should prove to be sufficient.
Pack Light
As much as possible, pack as light as you can when going to the beach because it lowers the odds of sinking on the sand. Leave anything you don’t need or things you can buy at the beach, such as extra food and water.
Driving on the beach requires lower air pressure for better traction on the soft sand. Usually, the appropriate pounds per square inch (PSI) of regular passenger tires is somewhere between 30 to 35 psi.
On the beach, you want to reduce the air pressure to somewhere from 20 to 25 psi. Just make sure you inflate your tires back to the recommended pressure once you’re leaving.
Driving with a deflated tire could lead to a decrease in your vehicle’s handling, damage to the wheels and brakes, and other issues.
Drive Near the Water
As much as possible, drive near the water itself whenever you’re on the beach. This area usually provides better traction because it has compact sand that constantly mixes with seawater.
And if they’re still visible, follow the tire tracks of the cars that drove before you. Chances are, that’s the area many people safely drove on.
Lastly, pay attention to the tide times. You don’t wanna be caught in high tide during your drive, as it could be dangerous and may even damage your vehicle.
Try to drive within two hours of low tide to get more beach to drive on. One way you can monitor the tides is by asking the local experts.
Drive with Caution
Always drive with caution no matter the terrain. When you’re out on the beach, a rule of thumb is to drive below 25 mph and ease off the brakes. Driving fast and braking hard could bury your vehicle under the sand.
Besides the usual tools you have in your car, consider bringing a shovel, a tire pressure gauge, a first aid kit, and a recovery track.
These tools could come in handy for most beach-related emergencies. The shovel, for example, could help you dig your vehicle out of the sand if it starts sinking.
Wash Your Vehicle Afterward
After a fun day at the beach, it’s in your best interest to wash your vehicle. Sand and salt can be harmful to cars, as they could lead to rusting and damage the doors, hoods, fenders, and tailgates.
You can hand wash your vehicle on your own, but the best way to ensure it doesn’t retain any debris and unnecessary moisture is by taking it to a carwash. Ask if they could spray the underbody and wheels, as there’s a good chance sand kicked up and was stuck there.
What to Do if Your Vehicle Is Stuck in the Sand
Don’t panic. Follow the steps below to get your vehicle out of the sandy situation:
Step 1: Dig your tires out using a shovel or by your hands. Dig out the front tires if you have to drive forward and the rear ones if you’re driving backward. After the bottom of the tires are visible, you’ll want to create a path in the direction you’re driving.
Step 2: Create traction using a traction mat, carpet, floor mats, or whatever’s available. If nothing’s in sight, you can also deflate your tires a bit to create natural traction.
Step 3: When the tires are free and you have the necessary traction, you can start hitting the gas until you’re out. If accelerating isn’t enough, ask people to help you push the car out of the pit.
Step 4: If the process doesn’t work, you can start again from step two until you find the proper traction to get you out of the situation.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
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