What is the difference between driving on sand vs a circuit?
Driving on sand vs tarmac
Driving on sand is a completely different experience compared to driving on tarmac, not just in terms of vehicle performance, but also in how you must drive to make sure you keep moving in the right direction.
Things change dramatically between the two surfaces, from grip levels to vehicle dynamics. Here are some of the things you might notice if you’re heading out on a desert safari, when you’ll be driven through the desert in an air-conditioned 4x4.
Traction
Tarmac provides a consistent and high level of grip, allowing your vehicle’s tyres to maintain firm contact with the surface. Sand, on the other hand, offers much lower, inconsistent traction. Tyres struggle to grip to the loose material, leading to wheel spin and a higher risk of getting stuck. Sand can also be compacted in some areas and looser in others – even across short distances – meaning that the level of traction you have can change rapidly.
Vehicle responsiveness
On tarmac, any steering, braking and acceleration you apply leads to a predictable response, so you can be very precise with your driving. This is because it’s a solid, flat surface.
On sand, however, the responses to these inputs are softer and more delayed. Steering often feels vague – with your vehicle taking longer to change direction after you turn the steering wheel - while braking distances increase significantly. Throttle inputs need to be much more measured to avoid digging the tyres into the sand.
Tyre interaction
Tyres are designed to roll efficiently on tarmac with minimal resistance. On sand, they behave differently - tyres tend to ‘float’ on the surface or sink depending on pressure, vehicle weight and speed. Instead of rolling cleanly, they have to push through the surface, creating more drag and requiring more power to keep moving.
This is why offroad tyres have much deeper grooves – so they can grip the loose sand more effectively.
Load and power distribution
On tarmac, vehicles rely on balanced weight distribution and a consistent delivery of engine power. More torque is often needed to keep up a vehicle’s momentum on sand, and weight shifts become more critical. Sudden changes in load, such as when you make a sharp turn or brake hard, can lead to a loss of control in sandy conditions.
Tips for driving on sand
Driving on sand can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires a very different approach to driving on tarmac. Here are some key tips to help you stay in control of your vehicle and avoid getting stuck:
Reduce tyre pressure
Reducing your tyre pressure increases the surface area of the tyre that’s in contact with the sand, which improves traction and helps the tyres ‘float’ rather than dig in. A common starting point is roughly 16-20 PSI, but this can vary based on the specific vehicle and sand conditions. Remember to reinflate your tyres once you're back on the tarmac.
Maintain steady momentum
Maintaining momentum is key for successfully navigating a sandy surface, so try to be consistent with your speed. Don’t accelerate or brake suddenly – you'll risk losing control or sinking into the sand.
If you feel your wheels are starting to spin, ease off the throttle immediately or you’ll dig holes in the sand and get stuck. Sometimes it's better to stop and reassess than to try power through and get severely bogged down.
Make gentle inputs
As well as avoiding sharp acceleration or braking, you shouldn’t make sudden or vigorous turns. Keep your turns wide and smooth and try to plan your path by looking further ahead, so you don’t need to make quick adjustments.
Make gentle inputs
As well as avoiding sharp acceleration or braking, you shouldn’t make sudden or vigorous turns. Keep your turns wide and smooth and try to plan your path by looking further ahead, so you don’t need to make quick adjustments.
How to drive on sand dunes
Driving on sand dunes can be a thrilling experience, but they can be unforgiving if you don’t approach them correctly. If you’re thinking about booking a dune buggy experience in Dubai, check out these tips for some extra prep - you’ll also get a full brief from a trained driving instructor when you book with Arabian Adventures.
Check the dune first
Never drive straight up a dune before you know exactly how it is shaped. Perspectives in the desert can be deceiving, and dunes can have sharp drop-offs (slip faces) that can be dangerous if you drive over them at high speed
If you need to, get out your buggy and check the dune from a safe distance. Make a note of the wind direction too, as the side of the dune facing the wind is usually a gentler, firmer slope.
Approach straight on
Always approach a dune head-on, rather than at an angle, as this can increase the risk of your vehicle rolling or sliding sideways – especially the closer you get to the crest.
Don’t stop
Stopping on a sand dune puts you at risk of getting stuck, so it’s best to avoid this. If you lose momentum and can’t reach the top of the dune, reverse straight back down until you reach a flat area. Don’t try to turn around, as you could get stuck or roll your vehicle.
Use momentum not power
You’ll need to build up some speed before you reach the dune, but not too much. You want to stay in control and build momentum as you climb. Once you’re over the top of the dune, you can ease off the accelerator and descend with control.
Crest with caution
Avoid jumping over the crest of the sand dune, as the edges can be soft and the other side may not be visible. Gently ease off the accelerator as you reach the crest and roll down the other side. You may be able to apply some power again once the dune begins to level out and it’s safe to do so.
Swap tarmac for sand!
Whether you’re heading out on a desert safari or getting behind the wheel of a dune buggy, you can swap the tarmac for sand with Arabian Adventures.
You can also enjoy an escape to the desert by joining us for a brilliant evening with Guenther Steiner at The Fort – Lisaili ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Keep these sand driving tips in mind and book a desert adventure today!