After Driving Off-Road - Jeep 2010 Wrangler Owner's Manual

JOBNAME: CHRY OM INTL (Conten PAGE: 199 SESS: 2 OUTPUT: Wed Aug 25 08:13:16 2010 SUM: 4C78EEB1
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Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers
Or Other Flowing Water
Flowing water can be extremely dangerous.
Never attempt to cross a fast running stream or
river even in shallow water. Fast moving water
can easily push your vehicle downstream,
sweeping it out of control. Even in very shallow
water, a high current can still wash the dirt out
from around your tires putting you and your
vehicle in jeopardy. There is still a high risk of
personal injury and vehicle damage with slower
water currents in depths greater than the vehi-
cle's running ground clearance. You should
never attempt to cross flowing water which is
deeper than the vehicle's running ground clear-
ance. Even the slowest current can push the
heaviest vehicle downstream and out of control
if the water is deep enough to push on the large
surface area of the vehicle's body. Before you
proceed, determine the speed of the current,
the water's depth, approach angle, bottom
condition and if there are any obstacles. Then
cross at an angle heading slightly upstream
using the low and slow technique.
WARNING!
Never drive through fast moving deep water. It
can push your vehicle downstream, sweeping
it out of control. This could put you and your
passengers at risk of injury or drowning.

After Driving Off-Road

Off-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to
check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
• Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steer-
ing, suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness,
particularly on the chassis, drivetrain com-
ponents, steering, and suspension. Re-
tighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They
might hide damage to fuel lines, brake
hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller
shafts.
• After extended operation in mud, sand, wa-
ter, or similar dirty conditions, have the ra-
diator, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake lin-
ings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned
as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable
braking. You might not have full braking power
when you need it to prevent a collision. If you
have been operating your vehicle in dirty
conditions, get your brakes checked and
cleaned as necessary.
• If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material. Im-
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