Avoid the Sand Trap: Tips For Driving on the Beach

Sand trap? Heck, we're not golfing! However, a Florida beach road trip can quickly turn into a nightmare when you ride out onto the beach and sink or get stuck in the sand. And it will get worse as you get more upset, rev that engine and spin those tires! 

Driving on the Beach in Florida

We are originally from up north so we know a few things from getting stuck in the snow, and thick sand isn't much different. Here are some simple pointers that may help you avoid getting stuck. Keep your beach visit the great day it was intended to be! Some beaches, like Ponce Inlet, will warn drivers about soft beach sand conditions and limit vehicles to 4WD only. Follow that recommendation to avoid ruining your day by spending it with an expensive tow truck and sweaty palms.

Driving on Sandy Beaches in Florida

Got a Front Wheel Drive Vehicle?

Driving on the sand in Daytona Beach

​Is AWD or 4WD better in sand? Front wheels will dig in almost instantly on loose sand. Rear-drive is better, but there's no substitute for 4WD. A proper part-time 4WD system with a low range and a locked center differential will get you through almost any beach sand (like this photo of Daytona Beach). A full-time AWD road car will get you through but be aware of ground clearance and low gear. Sometimes low gear isn't really low enough, and you could overheat the transmission moving at low speeds. Try lowering your tire pressure. Things are already hot enough on the beach! The heavier your vehicle is the more it will sink in the Florida sand. You’ll also have better clearance if the vehicle is lighter (this seems to apply to more than trucks, in our experience!)

Follow These 5 Tips for Driving on Beach Sand

1. Drive the posted beach speed limit. It is there to make your Florida beach safe for other beach goers and for your drivability.
2. In deeper sand, driving at a slower speed is safer all around and reduces your chance of getting stuck in the sand. When driving on the beach, try to stay in the ruts left by other vehicles. Yes, this is the one time it's good to be in a rut!
3. Pay attention to other beach goers, especially kids running to the water and surf. Watch out for the birds and wildlife on the beach. Keep momentum, because if you have to stop fast, you may get stuck. Avoid hard braking and coast to a stop if you can. Coasting is like surfing...it ain't easy and a smooth ride is better.
4. If you do lose forward motion, don't spin the tires unless you want to see how your tires look in deep sand. Try to back slowly out. A floor mat or some other solid material could help get you moving. Try and rock the vehicle, but don’t spin the tires!
5. When you're driving on the sand, avoid sharp turns and corners. Wheels trying to turn take a lot more to push through beach sand than one’s going straight. If you start to get stuck, straighten the wheels and then you can try and turn.

Another thing, if you're tires are slightly deflated this can be a good thing on the sand like New Smyrna Beach. Remember to fill them up before you get back on the road. 

Thick white sand in Ponce Inlet

You May Also Enjoy:

• ​Best Trucks For Beach Driving
• ​Truck Hitch Ideas For A Florida Beach Day
• Choosing The Best Beach Truck Tires
• Pickup Truck Tonneau Cover Review
• Beach Salt Sorrow: Keeping Your Pickup Clean

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