Tips&Advice Guide to Driving and Maintaining a Mahindra Thar

Mahindra Thar Learn how to drive, handle gears, use the clutch and accelerator, drive on different roads, race responsibly, maintain your Thar, and follow safety and company guidelines.

Tips&Advice: Driving a Mahindra Thar  —especially for a beginner—requires understanding how to handle a manual transmission vehicle, and how to use the controls effectively and safely. Here’s a complete guide:

🚗 1. Basics of Driving a Thar (Manual Transmission)

Controls to Understand:

• Clutch (left pedal): Disengages the engine from the wheels when changing gears.

• Brake (middle pedal): Slows or stops the vehicle.

• Accelerator (right pedal): Increases engine power and speed.

• Gear Lever: Allows you to shift gears.

• Handbrake: Used to hold the car in place when parked.

• Steering Wheel: Controls the direction of the vehicle.

⚙️ 2. How to Drive (Step-by-Step)

Starting the Vehicle:

1. Sit properly, fasten your seatbelt.

2. Ensure the gear is in neutral.

3. Press the clutch fully and start the engine.

4. Press the clutch, and shift into 1st gear.

5. Slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator.

6. As the car starts moving, release the clutch completely.

7. Shift to higher gears (2nd, 3rd, etc.) as speed increases.

🏎️ 3. How to Race a Thar (Safely and Responsibly)

• Mahindra Thar Racing on public roads is illegal. Use a closed track if you want to race.

• Upgrade tyres, suspension, and brakes for better performance.

• Know the engine limits (RPM) to avoid over-revving.

• Practice smooth gear shifts and cornering.

• Never compromise safety: Always wear a seatbelt and helmet on tracks.

🔧 4. How to Shift Gears Properly

• Press the clutch fully before shifting.

• Shift according to speed and RPM:

  • 1st: 0–15 km/h

  • 2nd: 15–30 km/h

  • 3rd: 30–45 km/h

  • 4th: 45–60 km/h

  • 5th: 60+ km/h (on highways)

• Release clutch slowly to avoid jerks.

🛞 5. How to Handle Steering and Braking

• Keep hands in 9 and 3 o’clock position on the wheel.

• Do not jerk the steering—smooth turns are best.

• Brake early and smoothly to avoid sudden stops.

• For off-roading, use 4×4 mode and go slow.

🛣️ 6. How to Drive on Different Roads

• Highways: Use higher gears, keep steady speed.

• City Roads: Be in lower gears, expect stops and starts.

• Mountains: Use lower gears for better control and braking.

• Off-road: Engage 4×4, drive slowly, avoid spinning wheels.

• Wet/Muddy Roads: Reduce speed, avoid sudden brakes.

🛢️ 7. How to Pour Engine Oil

1. Park on flat ground, let engine cool.

2. Open hood and locate the oil cap (usually marked with an oil can symbol).

3. Check oil with dipstick.

4. If low, open cap and pour recommended engine oil (check owner’s manual for type, like 5W-30 or 15W-40).

5. Close cap and recheck oil level.

🦺 8. Safety Tips

• Always wear seatbelts.

• Avoid mobile use while driving.

• Don’t overspeed, especially in city areas.

• Check tyre pressure regularly.

• Keep emergency kit and first aid box.

• Use indicators and mirrors before changing lanes.

• Maintain safe following distance.

📘 9. Thar Guidelines (from Company Recommendations)

• Service vehicle every 10,000 km or as per schedule.

• Use genuine parts and oils recommended by Mahindra.

• Do not modify engine or suspension without approval.

• Follow off-roading safety protocols.

• Maintain 4×4 components properly.

• Do not overload the vehicle.

• Keep vehicle documents updated (RC, insurance, PUC, etc.)

Last Updated on 12 May 2025.

See more: Expert Driving Tips for the Mahindra Scorpio N – Smooth Safe Ride