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| source : jeep.com |
OVERVIEW
With a few guidelines and some good old-fashioned common sense, almost anyone can drive off-road in a Jeep 4x4. Simply click on an item in the table of contents for a few of the basics. And be sure to get those thumbs up!
Be Prepared
Always check your vehicle before going off-road. Make sure your battery
is fastened, all hoses are in good condition and oil and fluids are
topped off, including fuel. Also be sure that all four tires are in good
condition and have the proper tire pressure. Avoid travelling alone,
especially into unfamiliar territory.
Be On The Lookout
Once off-road, put your vehicle in 4WD whenever you anticipate a
situation that will demand the additional traction. It's difficult to
engage 4WD after you get stuck. You'll also want to get into the habit
of looking over your hood, scanning left to right so you can clearly see
what you're approaching on the trail. If you're just watching the left
tire, there's a good chance you'll get the right tire in trouble. Avoid
putting your head outside the vehicle to see what's coming (that's what
Wrangler's folding windshield is for). Also, many trail masters
recommend keeping your thumbs up and out of the way of the steering
wheel spokes in rough terrain. For example, if your tire suddenly falls
off a rock, your steering wheel could quickly rotate and catch your
thumb with a spoke — ouch! Generally, vehicles with power steering, like
all Jeep vehicles, lessen the chance of sudden steering wheel rotation.
Snow And Mud
Generally, when snow or mud is present on the driving surface,
it is the right time to engage your on-demand or part-time 4WD system.
If you have an all-time system like Quadra-Trac I®, there is
no input required from you. In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for
additional control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD-LOW if necessary (Quadra-Trac I
and Quadra-Trac SRT do not offer a low range). Don't shift to a lower
gear than necessary to maintain momentum. Over revving the engine can
spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you begin to lose traction
in snow or mud, turn your steering wheel back and forth rapidly. This
will generally help the wheels bite into fresh terrain and pull you
through. If traction is lost, STOP. Wheel spinning will just dig you in
deeper. The key is to maintain forward momentum.
Sand
For better traction in sand, drop air pressure 10-12 pounds below normal pressure on conventional tires. (Return to normal pressure after use in these conditions). Try high-range 4WD to maintain forward momentum. Depending on the condition of the sand, low-range 4WD and alternative gear selections may be necessary. Also try to make wider turns if at all possible. Tight turning slows the vehicle abruptly and can get you stuck. Again, maintaining forward momentum is key.Hills
When climbing hills ALWAYS go straight up or down. It's also smart to know what's on the other side before going up. At the base of the hill you should apply more power. Ease up on the power as you approach the top and before going over the crest. If you stall on the ascent, back straight down the hill in reverse. For downhill travel, always use the lowest gear with a manual transmission. When descending a hill in low-range, do not disengage the clutch and allow the vehicle to coast. Severe damage to your clutch disc may result. Allow the gears and engine compression to slow you down, using the brakes only to fine-tune your speed. If equipped with an automatic transmission, use low-range and the lowest drive setting.NOTE: NEVER drive up a hill at an angle. If the hill is very steep and you don't feel confident that you or your vehicle can make it up, don't attempt it. Never get sideways on a steep slope as this can lead to vehicle instability. Off-roading can be very challenging. Remember, go as slow as possible. Use common sense with safety being the foremost concern.
Rock Crawling
We call it "crawling" for a reason. Use a low gear and low-range
4WD and just let the vehicle crawl and idle (with as little throttle as
needed) when going over obstacles like rocks or logs. Never straddle
rocks. A vehicle with 10 inches of ground clearance will not go over a
12-inch rock! Maneuver the tire on top of the rocks and crawl over them
slowly. If you hear scraping, don't panic. Your Jeep® 4x4's
skid plates and rock rails (this equipment varies depending on what Jeep
4x4 and packages have been purchased or leased) will take the brunt of
the beating. Dropping tire pressure 3-5 pounds improves traction and
helps avoid tire punctures. (Return to normal pressure after use in
these conditions). Remember, the ideal speed for rock crawling is 1-3
miles per hour.
Leave it better than you found it. Observe posted signs and stay on trails and recreation areas approved for off-roading. Use your good judgment in protecting the beauty and solitude of the area. Don't leave anything behind and, better yet, pick up and remove any trash that others have discarded. And if the terrain looks especially fragile, take an alternate route. Leave it better than you found it.
SOURCE : jeep.com
Tread Lightly
TREAD LIGHTLY!Leave it better than you found it. Observe posted signs and stay on trails and recreation areas approved for off-roading. Use your good judgment in protecting the beauty and solitude of the area. Don't leave anything behind and, better yet, pick up and remove any trash that others have discarded. And if the terrain looks especially fragile, take an alternate route. Leave it better than you found it.
SOURCE : jeep.com
