Jeep WRANGLER 2020 Owner's Manual page 279

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
(Low) if necessary. Do not shift to a lower gear
than necessary to maintain headway.
Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and
traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop,
try turning your steering wheel no more than a
1/4 turn quickly back and forth, while still
applying throttle. This will allow the tires to get a
fresh "bite" and help maintain your momentum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at
high engine RPM or vehicle speeds, because
engine braking 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 (Low) position to maintain your momentum.
If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your
steering wheel no more than a 1/4 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING
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
loose control of your vehicle.
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