How to use a winch safely: A step-by-step guide from A to Z

Anyone who has ever been stuck in the middle of a forest or in a deep swamp knows the feeling: a winch is your last and most reliable chance to escape. But at the same time, it is a source of colossal energy. A cable under a tension of several tons turns into a dangerous string, which, if broken, can not only damage the car, but also cause serious injuries.

At Vnedorognik.ua, we don't just sell iron - we want your off-roading to be a pleasure, not a problem. Therefore, today we will put aside the dry specifications and talk about how to get the car out and stay intact.

Step 0: Equipment is your "body armor"

Before you press a button on the remote, look at your hands. Unless they are wearing strong leather gloves, don't even touch the steel cable. Burrs on the metal (so-called "hedgehogs") pierce the skin instantly.

The second is a fire extinguisher. Many consider this an unnecessary detail, but a regular jacket or a special weighted sling thrown on a stretched cable will simply "nail" it to the ground in case of a break, preventing it from flying into the windshield.

Step 1: Assessment of the situation and search for an "anchor"

Do not rush to unwind the cable. Look where you are sitting.

• Tree: This is your best friend, but it should be alive and thick. Never wrap the rope around a tree in a "snap" - you will kill the tree and damage your rope. Use a bark protection sling. It is wide, does not cut the bark and preserves the resource of the winch.
• Shackles: Use only proven soft shackles or reliable steel fingers. Make sure the finger of the steel shackle is screwed all the way in and then back out half a turn to prevent it from jamming under load.

Step 2: Unwind and connect

• Switch the winch to free unwind mode and pull the cable manually.
• Leave at least 5-6 turns of cable on the drum. This friction holds the cable, not the little cog on the drum.
• Hook the hook so that it "looks" up. If the hook breaks, it will fly down into the ground, not up.

Step 3: Extraction Process (Major Taboos)

When everything is ready, start picking up the slack.

1. Safety zone: All spectators and "helpers" must move to a distance that exceeds the length of the unwound cable.
2. Tension: Pull the cable slowly. Make sure it sits flat on the drum.
3. Do not overheat: The electric winch consumes a lot of current. Take breaks to let the engine cool down and the battery to recharge a bit.
4. Wheel Assist: Assist the car with wheels, but without fanaticism. The wheels should barely spin, helping the winch, and not burying the car even deeper.

Step 4: What to do if "doesn't work"?

If the winch is buzzing, but the car is stationary, stop. You are either overloading the motor, or the machine has rested on a root or stone.

This is where the amplification unit comes to the rescue. It doubles the pulling force of the winch, relieving the engine. This is a must-have accessory for any tough expedition.

Step 5: Completion

Once you're on solid ground, don't throw the rope around. It must be wound under a slight tension so that the turns lie tightly to each other. If you wind it loosely, the next time you use it, the upper turns will "bite" the lower ones, and you will simply jam the winch.

Why is this important?

We at Vnedorognik.ua have seen hundreds of bent bumpers and burnt motors just because someone was in a hurry or spared money for a quality sling. Off-road safety isn't about boring rules, it's about your peaceful way home.

Your checklist before departure:

• Gloves (leather, not rags!).
• Shackles (preferably a spare pair).
• Corrosive sling.
• Fire extinguisher

Take care of yourself and your SUV. And you will always find everything you need for a safe and confident drive with us - we will select what will suit your car and your tasks!