The Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha are two of the most capable off-roading beasts in India’s affordable segment. As the winter season comes to a close, many are making a final trip to the Himalayas to experience the snow. One such Mahindra Thar owner set out to explore the off-beaten path, only to get stuck in the snow. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the police came to the rescue by bringing in the heavy-duty off-roading specialist, the Force Gurkha.
Mahindra Thar rescue mission
Before you all start dissing the Thar, based on the video uploaded by Raftaar 7811 on YouTube, it is the rear-wheel-drive version and not the 4×4 version. To be fair, in such thick snow, any RWD-based vehicle would need some assistance. It’s not uncommon for tourists to get stuck in extreme snow weather irrespective of what vehicle they are driving. The video showed that a Himachal Police vehicle, the Force Gurkha, towed the Thar to a levelled ground.
How to drive in snow?
Here are some pointers how to drive in snow conditions.
Get to know the features: More than the vehicle is equipped with a long list of features, the person behind the wheel needs to understand how it works. It is a 4×4 vehicle so familiarize yourself with how and when to use 4WD selector which consists of 4Lo, 4Hi and 2Hi.
Front-wheel-drive advantage: Many may not know this, but front-wheel-drive vehicles are more stable than rear-wheel-drive versions. With the front dominantly in front, this offers the vehicle better traction depending on the condition. Gently throttle input ensures that the vehicle is more in control.
Tackling inclines and downhill: It’s always advisable to pace the engine and keep a steady speed while climbing up the hill. In case you feel the vehicle is losing traction, gently step off the throttle. Driving downhill can be a bit tricky and one should use engine braking and of course, keep a check on the speed.