Vehicle Mastery: From Bicycle to Gyrocopter
The world of 7 Days to Die is vast—walking everywhere is a death sentence in the late game. This comprehensive guide covers how to craft, fuel, maintain, and master every vehicle in 1.0, including crafting requirements, storage capacity, and driving tips.
Vehicle Comparison Chart
| Vehicle | Speed | Storage | Seats | Fuel | Unlock |
|---|
| Bicycle | Slow | 9 slots | 1 | Stamina | Grease Monkey 1 |
| Minibike | Medium | 18 slots | 1 | Gas | Grease Monkey 2 |
| Motorcycle | Fast | 27 slots | 1 | Gas | Grease Monkey 3 |
| 4x4 Truck | Medium | 81 slots | 2 | Gas | Grease Monkey 4 |
| Gyrocopter | Fast | 27 slots | 1 | Gas | Grease Monkey 5 |
Bicycle
Your first vehicle and early-game lifesaver. Uses stamina instead of gas, making it available before you find fuel sources.
Crafting Requirements
- Bicycle Handlebars x1
- Bicycle Chassis x1
- Bicycle Wheel x2
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| No fuel required | Drains stamina quickly |
| Silent—no engine noise | Slow uphill |
| Easy to craft early | Limited storage (9 slots) |
Tips
- Great for stealth loot runs—zombies won't hear you coming
- Keep food on hand to restore stamina while riding
- Avoid steep hills—you'll burn all stamina and move slower than walking
Minibike
Your first fuel-powered vehicle. Slow but reliable, with better storage than the bicycle.
Crafting Requirements
- Small Engine x1
- Minibike Handlebars x1
- Minibike Chassis x1
- Minibike Wheels x2
- Minibike Seat x1
- Battery x1
Fuel Efficiency
~1 gas can per 2-3km of travel. Carries 18 slots of storage.
Tips
- The minibike flips easily on rough terrain—stick to roads
- Park on flat ground or it might roll away
- Upgrade to motorcycle as soon as possible
Motorcycle
The mid-game workhorse. Fast, stable, and fuel-efficient. Most players use this as their primary vehicle.
Crafting Requirements
- Small Engine x1
- Motorcycle Handlebars x1
- Motorcycle Chassis x1
- Motorcycle Wheels x2
- Motorcycle Seat x1
- Battery x1
- Headlight x1
Why It's the Best Mid-Game Vehicle
- Fast enough to outrun blood moon hordes
- 27 storage slots—enough for serious loot runs
- Better handling than minibike on rough terrain
- Good fuel efficiency for long-distance travel
Tips
- Use the headlight at night—press F while riding
- Jump curbs and small obstacles without slowing down
- Park facing outward for quick escapes
4x4 Truck
The ultimate raiding and multiplayer vehicle. Massive storage and two seats for co-op play.
Crafting Requirements
- 4x4 Truck Chassis x1
- 4x4 Truck Wheels x4
- 4x4 Truck Accessories x1
- Engine x1
- Battery x1
- Lead Car Battery x1
- Headlight x2
Storage Capacity
81 slots—the highest of any vehicle. Essential for multi-POI loot runs and base relocation.
Multiplayer Benefits
- Passenger seat allows a second player
- Passenger can shoot from the vehicle
- Perfect for supply runs in co-op games
Tips
- Fuel consumption is higher than motorcycle—carry extra gas
- Wide turning radius—avoid tight spaces
- Can plow through zombies without stopping
- Horn (press H) attracts zombies—use tactically
Gyrocopter
The ultimate late-game vehicle. Complete aerial dominance that bypasses all terrain and zombie hazards.
Crafting Requirements
- Gyrocopter Chassis x1
- Gyrocopter Accessories x1
- Engine x1
- Small Engine x1
- Battery x1
- Lead Car Battery x1
- Gyrocopter Wheels x3
Flight Controls
| Key | Action |
|---|
| W | Throttle up / Forward |
| S | Throttle down / Backward |
| A/D | Turn left/right |
| Space | Ascend |
| C | Descend |
| Shift | Boost |
Landing Tips
- Approach landing zones slowly—high-speed landings damage the gyro
- Land on flat rooftops for safe POI entry
- Hold C to descend gently near the ground
- Never land in water—the gyrocopter will sink
Strategic Advantages
- Scout POIs from above before entering
- Escape blood moons by flying away
- Access otherwise unreachable rooftops
- Cross wasteland biome without fighting radiated zombies
Vehicle Maintenance
Damage Sources
- Collisions: Trees, rocks, cacti, buildings
- Zombie Hits: Zombies attack vehicles you're riding
- Falling: Dropping from heights (especially gyrocopter)
Repair Methods
- Repair Kit: Restores ~200 HP per kit (hold E → Repair)
- Workbench Repair: Place vehicle chassis in workbench + materials
Vehicle Death
When a vehicle reaches 0 HP, it becomes a broken chassis. Items in storage drop on the ground. The chassis can be picked up and repaired at a workbench.
Fuel Management
Gas Sources
- Gas Pumps: Found at gas stations (hold E with container)
- Chemistry Station: Craft from Oil Shale or Animal Fat
- Loot: Gas cans spawn in garages, cars, and POIs
- Trader: Purchase gas cans
Fuel Efficiency by Vehicle
| Vehicle | Fuel Consumption |
|---|
| Bicycle | N/A (stamina) |
| Minibike | Low |
| Motorcycle | Low-Medium |
| 4x4 Truck | High |
| Gyrocopter | Very High |
Where to Find Vehicle Parts
| Part Type | Best Loot Locations |
|---|
| Wheels | Gas stations, auto shops, working stiffs |
| Engines | Garages, auto shops, sedans (wrench) |
| Batteries | Cars (wrench), hardware stores |
| Chassis Parts | Traders, auto shop crates |
| Headlights | Cars (wrench), hardware stores |
Pro Tips
- Always Carry a Repair Kit: One cactus can ruin a loot run
- Park Near Exits: Face your vehicle toward escape routes
- Crouch to Approach: Zombies hear running but not crouching near vehicles
- Gyro Escape Plan: Keep your gyrocopter fueled for emergency evacuation
- Mod Slots: Vehicles have mod slots—install reserve tank for extra fuel capacity