Jeep 2004 Wrangler Owner's Manual page 178

178 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
To use your brakes and decelerate more safely, follow these
tips:
•
Do not "ride" the brakes by resting your foot on the pedal.
This could overheat the brakes and result in unpredictable
braking action, longer stopping distances, or brake damage.
•
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can
cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission
whenever possible.
•
Do not downshift on icy or slippery roads, because engine
braking may cause skidding and loss of control.
•
Engines may idle at higher speeds during warm-up, which
could cause rear wheels to spin and result in loss of vehicle
control. Be especially careful while driving on slippery
roads, in close-quarter maneuvering, parking or stopping.
Remember, always engage 4-wheel drive when driving on
slippery roads.
•
Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially when
roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can build up
between the tire tread and the road. This hydroplaning
action can cause loss of traction, braking ability, and
control. Under such conditions, engage 4-wheel drive.
•
After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes may
become wet, resulting in poor performance and unpredict-
able braking action. Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent
pedal action while driving at very slow speeds.
WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and passengers can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle han-
dling. To avoid loss of control resulting in personal
injury, follow these guidelines:
•
Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor, and
locate heavier objects as low and as far forward as
possible.
•
Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the rear of the
vehicle to sway.
•
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or become
a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
•
The rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit in
seats and use seat belts.
•
On hardtop models, do not drive with the lift glass
up. On fabric top models, do not drive with the rear
window curtain up unless the side curtains are also
open. This will prevent dangerous exhaust fumes
from entering the vehicle.