Buying a 4x4 vehicle opens the door to a whole new world of driving. With a powerful engine, higher ground clearance and the extra grip of 4WD, you needn't stop when the road does. Whether it's a gently sloping field, a muddy quagmire or a rocky mountain trail, a good 4x4 copes with ease.

But of course 4x4s have benefits other than the ability to drive in places where you might not even be able to walk.

In winter when the roads get slippery, and normal cars' progress all too often degenerates into helpless wheelspin, a 4x4 can usually keep going, thanks to four wheels rather than two providing traction on snow and ice.

In fact, having 4WD greatly reduces the likelihood of getting stuck anywhere, whether it's a wet field being used as a car park at an outdoor event, or the muddy track to an isolated house. Just take it slow and steady, and 4WD will do the rest.

And if when you arrive at your destination you should find yourself away from the road, 4WD will be very useful. If for example you need to manoeuvre a horse box around in the muddy field next to where the horse trials are being held, it will be much easier with a 4x4. Similarly, hauling a boat trailer out of the water will be a lot simpler in a 4x4 than in a normal 2WD car.

In a 4x4 you sit higher than you would in a normal car, and as well as giving you a better view of what's around you, this can be invaluable from a safety standpoint. You can usually see over the rest of the traffic, and so are better able to anticipate the changing road situation and identify any potential dangers.

But while off-road driving can be a lot of fun, we would stress that you should adopt a responsible attitude. Firstly, unless you are driving on 'green lanes' (effectively country tracks that are classed as public roads) you should seek permission before crossing the land.

Secondly, respect the other people you meet when driving off-road. Keep speeds low all the time, give way to walkers and those on horseback, and be especially aware of how easy it is to frighten horses when you're driving a vehicle.

Thirdly, respect the land you're driving over. Excessive speed and wheelspin tears up soft surfaces and leaves ugly scars on the ground that can take a long time to heal.