Jeep Wrangler Owner's Manual page 124

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 4WD Low position to maintain
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 previous 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 traction 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.
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 ability 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING
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 someone 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. The
tread of the tire is tougher and thicker than the side wall
and is designed to take the abuse. Always look ahead and
make every effort to cross the large rocks with your tires.
CAUTION!
 Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large enough
to strike your axles or undercarriage.
 Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large
enough to contact the door sills.
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