In this newsletter

* Tours

* Snow White

* Tech Tips

* Latest video releases

* Featured Pass

Listen to an AI-generated discusion of this newsletter:

Tours Past, Present & Future

AUGUST
Our recent Swartberg Tour was another winner, delivering excllent weather, beautiful wild flowers and all the wondrous scenery this tour is known for. It was a dry winter in those parts which translated into quite a dusty tour, but that didn't stop guests enjoying themselves to the fullest. There were no punctures, no recoveries, no mishaps - just pure Swartberg magic. We will more than likely be moving the tour back to its original July time slot in 2026.

SEPTEMBER
Coming up this Sunday is the start of our inaugural Cederberg Spring Tour, which got booked out in record time. It's all systems go as we head off to the Val du Charron Wine Estate for the meet & greet this Sunday 14th September. We will write a full report in the following newsletter.

NOVEMBER
The Ben 10 Official Tour is the last tour of the year from 24th to 30th November. We will be driving the 10 challenge passes: These range between 1833m and 2590m ASL. You will experience the Eastern Cape in its summer finery with flowing rivers and a fair bit of mist and mud to add some spice to the already challenging routes. There is no tour on our calendar that generates more camaraderie than this one.

1. Joubert's Pass
2. Heuningneskloof Pass
3. Otto du Plessis Pass
4. Bastervoetpad Pass
5. Lundean's Nek Pass
6. Dangershoek Pass
7. Volunteershoek Pass
8. Carlisleshoekspruit Pass
9. Naude's Nek Pass
10.Potrivier Pass

In addition to the above we will drive another 17 passes:
Fetcani, Dawid se Kop, Bottelnek, Kraai River Pass, Grondnek, Benjaminshoogte, Greylings Pass, Perdenek, Barkly Pass, Tierkrans, Wintersnek, Ballochs Pass, Elandshoogte, Katkop Pass, Moodenaarsnek, Luzipoort, and Pitseng Pass.

Weather permitting we will take a drive up to the vulture viewing colony at Castle Rocks. Many other points of interest are included in this tour which include a drive up a private 4x4 route, a visit to Loch Bridge, the Funnystone River, Wartrail, New England and Lady Grey. We will slay  the Bastervoetpad beast and celebrate the victory in style.

We have four places left. Book your spot sooner rather than later.

BOOK HERE: BEN 10 OFFICIAL

The New Year will see a number of exciting changes in our tours calendar. We will be running a Baviaanskloof Tour and a new tour, the Amathole Tour. The calendar for the first half of 2026 will be published in the next newsletter.

The Mountain Kingdom Tour in April 2026 is almost fully booked. There are 2 places left.

BOOK HERE: MOUNTAIN KINGDOM TOUR

TALES FROM THE ARCHIVES

Wilf Walker and his wife decided to indulge themselves in a mid winter holiday, travelling from their home town in the Free State to the Western and Northern Cape and drive some of the lesser known roads. They had no inkling of the drama and ordeal waiting for them.

Their routing took them from Merweville in the heart of the Karoo to Sutherland in the Northern Cape – a slow, gravel farm road (R354) peppered with many farm gates and definitely the sort of places they wanted to explore – a true “road less travelled”.

Everything was fine and the trusty Toyota Hilux D4D was purring along happily, but it was extraordinarily cold that morning. Big banks of clouds were rolling in from the west and it felt like rain was imminent. The temperature kept dropping and the wind speed got stronger. No problem – the well travelled couple had seen plenty of bad weather in their life-times.

By the time they reached the foot of the Rammelkop Pass, it started snowing. Fantastic! Snow photos to send home to the family. They drove carefully up the very steep pass and started experiencing increased lack of traction, to the point that Wilf decided to put the Hilux into low range. That improved things for a short while. The 300 metre gain in altitude towards the summit of the pass, saw a bad deterioration in the weather, making it difficult to even see the road ahead, but they forged on slowly.

Things went from bad to worse as the storm turned ugly and suddenly Wilf felt the bakkie sliding uncontrollably towards the side of the road and after a few lurches and bumps it came to a standstill in a culvert packed with deep snow. Wilf tried everything he knew to get the bakkie back on the road, but they had snow packed tight all the way under the chassis. He also realised that he had not thought about packing a spade. “OK”, he thought like MacGyver, and unhinged the cubby-hole lid to use as a makeshift snow scoop, but it only got rid of the first six inches of snow. Underneath the snow had compacted into ice. They were in trouble. They battled for hours and then the daylight disappeared as the blizzard increased in intensity and the snow became so deep that almost half the bakkie was encapsulated in snow.

They sent numerous SMS messages requesting help, but there was no signal. Wilf had debated walking back to the nearest farm, but wisely decided against it (he later established that the farm was 16 km away). He would never have made it. Not a single vehicle came past them all afternoon and no-one knew where they were. They were in a pickle of note, but all was not lost – they had warm clothes, diesel in the tank and enough food for sustenance.

Wilf left the engine running for warmth and he also had concerns about the diesel freezing. (Diesel apparently freezes at minus 11C). Ice cold air came seeping up from under the car, so the Walkers moved onto the back seat and sat with their feet under each others bums for warmth. And that is how they spent the night, falling asleep for short periods and wondering when and how rescue would come.

The morning finally arrived. The storm was over and around them was a winter wonderland on a scale they could never have imagined. The engine was still idling as they discussed how they were going to try and survive another day and night in the freezing temperatures. Then they heard a vehicle approaching…..

A farm bakkie came slithering to a stop and attempted pulling the Hilux out the ditch, but that operation was unsuccessful. They promised to head further towards Sutherland and call the police for assistance. The Walkers had no option but to sit and wait to be rescued as they watched the bakkie swaying precariously into the distance across the snow covered road.

The SAPS Caspir that came to the rescue.

In the meantime a police Caspir vehicle ( a huge armoured 4x4 ) had been rescuing motorists on another tarred pass near Sutherland and had themselves become stuck in deep snow and also spent the night in their vehicle, but in the morning had successfully dug themselves out of their snow trap. The bakkie driver alerted the Caspir officers and within an hour the Caspir arrived ploughing its way through the thick snow. The Walkers sense of relief was enormous. The Hilux was left in the ditch and the couple were transported to Sutherland in the police vehicle with a few belongings where they were able to find accommodation, hot baths and good food.

The following day, once the snow had melted, the Hilux was successfully retrieved and only suffered a damaged fuel tank protector plate.

Advisory: South African's are generally "snow verskrik" showing a deep seated need to get our into the high country to experience the white powder we are so deprived of. However, there a number of things to consider before you go.

1. Preferably travel in a small group, so help is nearby if needed.
2. If you decide to go alone, write your planned route down (preferably on a map) so that a friend or family member can call for help if you dont show up. Arrange an alloted check in time with that person for each day of your trip. If you don't call, they call for rescue.
3. If you're going to drive in snow, invest in a set of snow chains and learn how to fit them at home.
4. Hire a satellite phone and learn how to operate it. Have your emergency numbers pre entered.
5. Take warm blankets and a small stove in your vehicle with emergency rations. A space blanket is a sensible item to have in your vehicle. It could save your life.

TECHNICAL CORNER

WHEN TO CHANGE DIFFERENTIAL OIL?

Maintaining your all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle requires attention to components that standard two-wheel drive vehicles don't have. One of the most critical maintenance tasks is checking and changing your differential fluid. This specialized lubricant ensures your vehicle's differential gears operate smoothly, preventing costly repairs down the road.

Why Differential Fluid Matters

The differential allows wheels to rotate at different speeds while turning, which is especially important in AWD and 4WD systems. The fluid inside the differential housing lubricates these complex gears, reduces friction, prevents overheating, and protects against wear.

Many AWD/4WD owners overlook this critical maintenance item until problems arise. There are numerous cases where neglected differential fluid led to expensive repairs that could have been avoided.

When to Check Your Differential Fluid

You should check your differential fluid:

• Every 50,000 km for normal driving
• Every 25,000 km for severe conditions (towing, off-roading, extreme temperatures)
• If you notice whining or grinding noises from the axles
• After driving through deep water
• When you detect a burning smell or leaking fluid under your vehicle
  
  

Tools You'll Need

Before beginning your differential fluid check or change, gather these items:

• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Socket set and wrenches
• Fluid catch pan
• Funnel with a narrow spout
• New differential fluid (specific to your vehicle)
• New gasket or sealant (if changing fluid)
• Gloves and safety glasses
• Shop rags

How to Check Differential Fluid

1. Park on level ground: Ensure your vehicle is on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Locate the differential: In most AWD/4WD vehicles, you'll find differentials at both the front and rear axles. Consult your owner's manual for specific locations.
3. Prepare the vehicle: For better access, you may need to jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Always use wheel chocks for safety.
4. Find the fill plug: The differential housing has two plugs—a fill plug (usually higher) and a drain plug (at the bottom). You'll only need to remove the fill plug to check the fluid.
5. Remove the fill plug: Using the appropriate socket or wrench, carefully remove the fill plug. Be cautious as fluid may seep out.
6. Check fluid level and condition: Insert your finger or a small tool into the hole. The fluid should be just below the fill hole opening. Also note the fluid's color and consistency—it should be amber to light brown, not black or gritty.
7. Replace the fill plug: If the level and condition are good, replace the fill plug to the manufacturer's torque specification.
   
   

How to Change Differential Fluid

If your inspection reveals dirty fluid or you've reached the recommended mileage interval, it's time for a complete differential fluid change:

1. Warm up the vehicle: Drive for about 15 minutes to warm the differential fluid, making it easier to drain.
2. Position your catch pan: Place it under the differential housing to catch the old fluid.
3. Remove the fill plug first: Always remove the fill plug before the drain plug to ensure you can refill the differential.
4. Remove the drain plug: Allow all the old fluid to drain into your catch pan. This may take 10-15 minutes.
5. Inspect the old fluid: Look for metal particles or debris which could indicate differential damage.
6. Replace the drain plug: Clean it thoroughly and reinstall to the proper torque specification.
7. Add new fluid: Using a funnel with a narrow spout, add the manufacturer-recommended gear oil until it starts to seep from the fill hole.
8. Replace the fill plug: Tighten to the specified torque.
9. Clean up and test drive: Wipe away any spilled fluid and take your vehicle for a short test drive to distribute the new fluid.

Choosing the Right Gear Oil for AWD Cars

Selecting the correct differential fluid is crucial for proper AWD maintenance:

• Most modern AWD/4WD vehicles require synthetic gear oil
• Check your owner's manual for the recommended viscosity (75W-90, 75W-140, etc.)
• Look for oils that meet GL-5 or GL-6 specifications
• Some limited-slip differentials require special additives
• Never mix different types of gear oils

The experts recommend following manufacturer specifications exactly, as using the wrong fluid can cause differential failure.

AWD and 4WD Maintenance Schedule

To maximize your drivetrain's lifespan, incorporate these differential fluid service intervals into your overall maintenance plan:

• Normal driving conditions: Change differential fluid every 55000-1100,000 km
• Severe driving conditions: Change every 25,000-55,000 km
• After water crossings: Check fluid immediately
• When towing: Check more frequently and consider upgrading to a higher viscosity fluid

Remember that proper 4WD maintenance includes more than just differential service—transfer cases and front hubs also require attention.

Common Problems to Watch For

During your differential fluid check, be alert for these warning signs:

• Metal particles in the fluid
• Burnt smell
• Milky appearance (indicates water contamination)
• Leaks around the differential housing seals
• Unusual noises during acceleration or turning

Conclusion

Regular inspection and changing of differential fluid is a vital but often overlooked aspect of AWD and 4WD maintenance. By following this guide, you can extend the life of your vehicle's drivetrain components and avoid costly repairs.

 This article is published courtesy of Fleet Rabbit.

NEW VIDEO RELEASES

Mike's Pass, KZN

Our agent up north, Murray Cubitt, recently went to film Mike's Pass in KZN. A project we've been trying to complete for the last 4 years. The weather played along and we have just released a three part video set for you to enjoy.

For several years, this stunningly scenic route has been closed to self-drive explorers. That has now changed and the route may now be driven in your own vehicle, subject to obtaining a permit. It is best to book in advance, as the authorities only allow a certain number of vehicles per day. Once you've reached the summit, there are a range of circular loops that can be explored under the shadow of the Drakensberg's Cathedral Peak. The reserve and start of the pass (remember it's an out and back route) is about 40 km from Winterton.

We are still upgrading the page on the website, but the videos are thorough and cover the whole route. The scenery is gorgeous. Sit back, relax and enjoy the 'Berg' (ad free). Total watch time: 24 minutes.

Mikes Pass (Part 1): 

FEATURED PASS

This pass is for the more experienced off-road driver. It is a wonderful shortcut along the main Wild Coast route, cutting out a long section of fairly boring villages and it will save you about an hour on your ETA. The deep valley carved out by the Mnenu River stretches far inland, where the main road loops around to avoid the deep valley. The pass has wonderful scenery but mostly it's obscured by dense bush and lantana which grows about 4m high, hiding the views.

Mnenu River Pass

Trygve Roberts / MPSA

"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it." – Greg Anderson