Recreational Towing - 4X4 Models; Driving Tips; On-Road Driving Tips; Off-Road Driving Tips - Jeep Cherokee 2018 Owner's Manual

Recreational Towing — 4x4 Models
Recreational towing is not allowed.
NOTE:
This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are OFF
the ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle with ANY of its wheels on
the ground can cause severe transmission
and/or power transfer unit damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

DRIVING TIPS

On-Road Driving Tips

Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance
and a narrower track to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road applica-
tions. Specific design characteristics give them
a higher center of gravity than conventional
passenger cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is
a better view of the road, allowing you to antici-
pate problems. They are not designed for cor-
nering at the same speeds as conventional
passenger cars any more than low-slung sports
cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type,
210
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or vehicle rollover.

Off-Road Driving Tips

When To Use 4WD LOW Range
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for
additional traction and control on slippery or
difficult terrain, ascending or descending steep
hills, and to increase low-speed pulling power
(refer to "All Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive
Operation" in this section for further details).
This range should be limited to extreme situa-
tions such as deep snow, mud, or sand where
additional low speed pulling power is needed.
Vehicle speeds in excess of 25 mph (40 km/h)
should be avoided when in 4WD LOW range.
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving
through water, there are a number of precau-
tions that must be considered before entering
the water:
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed
5 mph (8 km/h). Always check water depth
before entering as a precaution, and check
all fluids afterward. Driving through water
may cause damage that may not be covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your
vehicle. If you must drive through water, try to
determine the depth and the bottom condition
(and location of any obstacles) prior to entering.
Proceed with caution and maintain a steady
controlled speed less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in
deep water to minimize wave effects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in
storm run-off) avoid crossing until the water level
recedes and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you
must cross flowing-water, avoid depths in ex-
cess of 9 inches (22 cm). The flowing water can
erode the streambed causing your vehicle to
sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow
for drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than
16 inches (40.5 cm), and reduce speed appro-
priately to minimize wave effects. Maximum
speed in 16 inches (40.5 cm) of water is less
than 5 mph (8 km/h).
(Trailhawk only): Avoid driving in standing water
deeper than 19 inches (48 cm), and reduce
speed appropriately to minimize wave effects.
Maximum speed in 19 inches (48 cm) of water is
less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your
vehicle fluids and lubricants (engine, transmis-