Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual page 155

Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or
Other Standing Water
Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water
areas normally contain murky or muddy waters.
These water types normally contain hidden ob-
stacles and make it difficult to determine an
accurate water depth, approach angle, and bot-
tom condition. Murky or muddy water holes are
where you want to hook up tow straps prior to
entering. This makes for a faster, cleaner and
easier vehicle recovery. If you are able to deter-
mine you can safely cross, than proceed using
the low and slow method.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system
effectiveness by depositing debris onto the
radiator.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to check
for damage. That way you can get any problems
taken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
152
• Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, par-
ticularly on the chassis, drivetrain compo-
nents, steering, and suspension. Retighten
them, if required, and torque to the values
specified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They
might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses,
axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
• After extended operation in mud, sand, water,
or similar dirty conditions, have the radiator,
fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake linings, and
axle yokes inspected and cleaned as soon as
possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable
braking. You might not have full braking
power when you need it to prevent a collision.
If you have been operating your vehicle in
dirty conditions, get your brakes checked and
cleaned as necessary.
• If you experience unusual vibration after driv-
ing in mud, slush or similar conditions, check
the wheels for impacted material. Impacted
material can cause a wheel imbalance and
freeing the wheels of it will correct the
situation.