Jeep GLADIATOR 2022 Owner's Manual page 179

Simultaneous Brake And Throttle
Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the simultane-
ous use of the brake and throttle (two-footed driving).
When climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects,
using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep
the vehicle from jerking or lurching. This technique is
also used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle
on a steep incline.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
SNOW
In heavy snow or for additional control and traction at
slower speeds, shift the transmission into a low gear
and the transfer case into 4L if necessary. Do not shift
to a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway.
Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and trac-
tion will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning
your steering wheel no more than a quarter turn quickly
back and forth, while still applying throttle. This will
allow the tires to get fresh traction and help maintain
your momentum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPM or vehicle speeds, because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.
MUD
Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the
tires and is very difficult to get through. You should use
DRIVE, with the transfer case in the 4L position to main-
tain your momentum. If you start to slow to a stop, try
turning your steering wheel no more than a quarter turn
quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud
holes pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and
getting stuck. They are normally full of debris from pre-
vious vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before
entering any mud hole, get out and determine how
deep it is, if there are any hidden obstacles and if the
vehicle can be safely recovered if stuck.
SAND
Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full tire
pressure. When crossing soft, sandy spots in a trail,
maintain your vehicle's momentum and do not stop.
The key to driving in soft sand is using the appropriate
tire pressure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt
maneuvers and maintaining the vehicle's momentum. If
you are going to be driving on large soft sandy areas or
dunes, reduce your tire pressure to a minimum of
15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for a greater tire surface area.
Reduced tire pressure will drastically improve your trac-
tion and handling while driving on the soft sand, but
you must return the tires to normal air pressure before
driving on pavement or other hard surfaces. Be sure
you have a way to reinflate the tires prior to reducing
the pressure.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and
total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce
your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers.
STARTING AND OPERATING
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other
High Points)
While driving off-road, you will encounter many types of
terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different
types of obstacles. Before proceeding, review the path
ahead to determine the correct approach and your abil-
ity to safely recover the vehicle if something goes
wrong. Keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, bring
the vehicle to a complete stop and then inch the vehicle
forward until it makes contact with the object. Apply the
throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure and
ease the vehicle up and over the object.
WARNING!
Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system
loading which could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
USING A SPOTTER
There are many times where it is hard to see the
obstacle or determine the correct path. Determining the
correct path can be extremely difficult when you are
confronting many obstacles. In these cases have some-
one guide you over, through, or around the obstacle.
Have the person stand a safe distance in front of you
where they can see the obstacle, watch your tires and
undercarriage, and guide you through.
CROSSING LARGE ROCKS
When approaching large rocks, choose a path which
ensures you drive over the largest of them with your
tires. This will lift your undercarriage over the obstacle.
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