Jeep Off-Roading FAQs

Your vehicle's off-road capability directly depends on its health. It is important that you thoroughly check your vehicle before venturing to the trails. When giving your vehicle a check, make sure that all your fluids are topped off, including oil and fuel. You should also check to make sure your battery is properly fastened, all four tires have adequate tread depth and inflation, and that all hoses are in good condition without cracks or leaks. If you want to ensure that these checks are done right, bring your vehicle down to the service center at Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and have a certified technician look over your vehicle.

All-wheel drive: All-wheel drive propels all four wheels at the same time, all the time. This full-time system is perfect for driving on all kinds of road surfaces. All-wheel drive ensures that if one wheel starts slipping, the wheel with the most traction gets the power to pull the vehicle out. The biggest difference between full-time four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is that 4WD has a 4-low setting that the AWD system does not. 4-low gives drivers more control on tricky terrain.
Full-time 4x4: Jeep's full-time 4x4 system uses either a center differential or a clutch to turn the front and rear driveshafts at different speeds. It functions in 4WD by default to maintain solid traction in inclement road conditions.
Part-time 4WD: This system operates in two-wheel drive by default. Instead of utilizing a center differential, part-time 4x4 locks the front and rear driveshafts to provide maximum traction on rough terrain. When driving under normal road conditions, it's recommended to switch to two-wheel drive as overusing 4WD driveline noise and binding which can lead to overheating.
On-demand 4WD: Like part-time 4WD, on-demand 4WD mainly operates in two-wheel drive. When the system senses slippage, 4WD is automatically turned on to transfer up to 100% of power to the axle with the most traction.

Off-road terrain demands a level of precision and finesse that is achieved by lower speeds. On most trails, if you drive a manual transmission, letting the clutch out slowly will let you crawl over logs and rocks in the lowest gear. In low-range 4WD, low gearing, and low speed of Jeep 4x4 in idle will often pull you over trail obstacles. As an example, the average vehicle speed on the Rubicon Trail is 1-5 MPH.

Jeep's traction management system is called Selec-Terrain. This offers five different drive modes, Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock modes. Each drive mode optimizes the vehicle's 4x4 system to provide the best possible traction in that particular terrain. A rotary knob on the center console allows you to quickly and easily switch between drive modes. Selec-Terrain coordinates vehicle systems like throttle control, transmission shift points, transfer case, traction control, and electronic stability control to provide optimal driving control wherever your adventures take you.

Outdoor sports enthusiasts are protective over their environment, off-roaders are no exception to this. When you head out onto the trails, take note of the trail signs and only travel on areas that are marked as approved for off-road vehicle use. Use your best judgment when it comes to protecting the land you're roaming on. It is important that you not leave anything on the trails and pick up any trash you find left behind by others. A rule that most outdoor enthusiasts live by is to leave nature in better shape than you find it. If the trail looks fragile, for the safety of you and the trail, it's best to find an alternate route.

Are you in search of a vehicle to fit all your off-roading needs? Look no further than Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram! You can find our full inventory of new and used Jeep vehicles right here on our website. Whether you're a newbie or an off-roader with years of experience, you can be confident you'll find the perfect vehicle to fit your needs here! If you already have an off-road vehicle that needs service, you can trust the professional service experts here at Hendrick CDJR to get your vehicle back on the trails good as new!