Four-wheel driving is supposed to be about getting away from it all – remote tracks, good mates and a bit of adventure. 

However, like any hobby, it comes with its fair share of habits that can quickly test everyone’s patience. Whether it’s poor track etiquette, questionable driving techniques or just plain laziness, some behaviours seem to pop up time and time again. Here are 10 of the most annoying habits you’ll encounter on Australian 4WD tracks.

1. Driving the middle of a narrow track

Anyone who’s spent time on tight bush tracks knows visibility is often limited, especially around corners or over crests. Yet some drivers seem determined to sit right in the middle of the track as if they’re the only vehicle out there. Sticking to the centre makes passing difficult and can force awkward reversing manoeuvres when two vehicles meet unexpectedly. On narrow tracks, the basic rule is simple: Keep left where possible and stay alert for oncoming traffic. It’s not always practical, but making the effort makes everyone’s day a little easier.

2. Not airing down tyres

Watching a vehicle rattle along a corrugated track on full road pressures is painful, both for the occupants and the vehicle itself. Tyres pumped up to highway pressures reduce grip, make the ride harsher and increase the risk of punctures. In sand, the consequences are even worse. A vehicle struggling to climb dunes or constantly bogging often just needs lower tyre pressures. Airing down increases the tyre’s footprint, improves traction and reduces strain on the vehicle. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to improve off-road performance, yet plenty of drivers still skip it.

3. Spinning wheels unnecessarily

Few things destroy a track faster than uncontrolled wheelspin. Whether it’s someone attacking a climb with too much throttle or trying to power their way through a bog hole, spinning tyres quickly dig deep ruts and holes that make the track harder for everyone else. In most cases, smoother throttle control, better line choice and lower tyre pressures would get the vehicle through without tearing the track apart. Wheelspin might look dramatic, but it’s rarely the best solution.

4. Leaving rubbish behind

Remote campsites and scenic bush clearings lose their appeal quickly when they’re littered with empty cans, food wrappers and broken gear. Unfortunately, rubbish left behind by a minority of drivers is one of the biggest frustrations in the 4WD community. It also has real consequences. Poor behaviour makes it easier for authorities to justify closing tracks or restricting access to popular areas. The rule is simple and widely accepted: leave the place cleaner than you found it.

5. Driving with every light bar blazing

Modern LED light bars are incredibly effective, which is great when you’re travelling remote highways at night. The problem is that some drivers forget to dim them when other vehicles appear. Being hit with several thousand lumens of light around a blind corner isn’t just annoying – it’s dangerous. Like high beams, light bars should be switched off for oncoming traffic. It’s basic courtesy that too many drivers ignore.

6. Blocking tracks while airing up or down

Tyre pressure adjustments are a normal part of four-wheel driving, but where you stop to do it matters. Pulling up right at the entrance to a track, beach access point or narrow section of road can quickly create a queue of vehicles waiting behind you. Most tracks have small pull-off areas or wider sections nearby where you can stop without blocking the way. Taking a few extra seconds to move aside makes life easier for everyone else.

7. Refusing to reverse

Eventually every 4WD driver encounters a narrow section of track where two vehicles meet head-on and one needs to reverse to a wider spot. It’s part of driving in the bush. The frustration comes when someone refuses to budge, insisting the other driver should reverse regardless of who is closer to a passing point. A bit of common sense and cooperation usually solves the problem quickly. Without it, a simple situation can turn into an awkward standoff.

8. Overloading the vehicle

Some touring rigs look like they’re preparing for a six-month expedition across the desert when they’re only heading away for a long weekend. Roof racks piled high with gear, multiple jerry cans, heavy accessories and packed drawers can push vehicles well beyond their safe limits. Excess weight affects braking, handling and suspension performance, especially off-road. It also increases the chance of mechanical failures on rough tracks. Packing sensibly and keeping weight under control makes a big difference to both safety and reliability.

9. Ignoring basic recovery etiquette

Recoveries are a normal part of off-road driving, but they’re also one of the riskiest situations you’ll encounter on the tracks. Despite that, you’ll still see people standing too close to recovery straps, using unrated recovery points or rushing into a snatch without thinking it through. A safe recovery requires planning, communication and the right equipment. Taking a few extra minutes to set things up properly can prevent damage, injury or worse.

10. Treating public tracks like a racetrack

Shared tracks are used by all sorts of people – other 4WD drivers, dirt bikes, hikers, cyclists and sometimes even horse riders. Yet some drivers approach them like a rally stage, sliding through corners and charging along at high speed. Aside from the obvious safety risks, high-speed driving kicks up dust, damages tracks and creates unnecessary hazards around blind corners. Slowing down and driving to the conditions makes the tracks safer for everyone using them.

Special mentions

  • Hogging camp kitchens or fire pits. Staying at prime spots for too long prevents others from using facilities.
  • Using the horn for every minor thing. Excessive beeping adds stress rather than improving safety.
  • Ignoring wildlife on tracks. Not slowing down for smaller animals like wombats, birds, or kangaroos creates unnecessary risk.
  • Poor reversing signals. Failing to clearly indicate or communicate when backing up can confuse other drivers.
  • Leaving trailer brakes off. Forgetting to secure trailers or leave them properly braked increases accident risk.
  • Overenthusiastic recovery attempts. Pulling someone out too aggressively or without checking the setup can damage vehicles or gear.
  • Not checking track closures. Showing up at a washed-out or closed track wastes time and can put vehicles at risk.
  • Using cheap or incorrect recovery gear. Under stress, substandard gear can fail catastrophically, creating hazards for everyone involved.
MORE 10 essential 4×4 touring mistakes to avoid