Jeeps are capable of tackling nearly every terrain the planet offers. Let’s explore some of the questions and answers regarding Jeep’s capability claims.
If you want a vehicle that won’t get stuck in the mud and has the right equipment for some fun on the trails, you want to choose a Jeep. At every level, the Jeep SUVs bring capability and off-road prowess to the market. The most hardcore off-roader is easily the Wrangler, followed by the Gladiator and Grand Cherokee, but all Jeep models can handle the trails.
Let’s review a few questions people have about Jeeps and how capable they are.
What’s the difference between 4WD and AWD?
A 4WD system is made to handle travel on any surface. It uses a clutch or full-time center differential to allow the front and rear wheels to turn at different speeds. This enables the vehicle to push through mud, snow, and dirt without getting stuck.
A vehicle equipped with AWD has power going to all four wheels at all times, but it’s missing the 4-low setting that 4WD vehicles include. This omission means some AWD vehicles can get stuck in off-road locations and are less capable than 4WD vehicles.
Why is it bad to use part-time 4WD on dry pavement?
A vehicle equipped with part-time 4WD also has a 2WD setting. This 2WD setting is for dry pavement and helps make Jeeps capable of more comfortable on-road driving. If you keep the vehicle in its 4WD modes, the system locks the front and rear axles together, forcing all wheels to turn at the same speed. This can make it difficult to drive on the road and could lead to damage to the 4WD parts.
How does the Selec-Terrain Traction Management system work?
This system is designed to give you excellent control on various surfaces and terrains you’ll find when you leave the paved roads. You can choose between modes and have a setting that’s optimized for snow, mud, rocks, sand, dirt, or gravel. These settings are selected via rotary knob and deliver excellent driving stability by setting the proper throttle control, transmission shifting, transfer case setting, air suspension, and traction control settings for the ride.
When should I use low range 4WD?
You see it on the dashboard and wonder if Jeeps are capable of 4-Low driving. They are. The low-range 4WD settings use all four wheels in a low gear ratio to drive slowly and carefully on rough terrain. You should use this setting for extreme off-road situations that require more torque with low speed. This could be getting out of some deep sand or climbing up a steep hill slowly. The added torque in this low setting doesn’t translate to better traction but more control.
Do you need to park your Jeep to adjust the drive settings?
The Quadra-Lit Air Suspension and Selec-Terrain Traction Management systems can be adjusted whether the Jeep is parked or moving. This enables drivers to adjust the vehicle for more clearance while driving through rocky terrain. When the vehicle is moving, you can select the height for the Quadra-Lift system or have the vehicle automatically select the right settings using the Selec-Terrain system. This makes Jeep SUVs much more capable on the trails.
How do I prepare my Jeep for off-roading?
We know Jeeps are capable of handling off-road trials and deep wilderness adventures, but are you ready for these experiences? When you get your vehicle ready to go into the wilderness, you should check it before you go. Make sure all hoses are in good condition, fluids are topped off, and all tires are at the proper tire pressure. Bring a first aid kit, extra water, recovery equipment, and a travel plan. Make sure you tell someone where you’re going and when you should return in case you don’t return in time and need help.
How do I maintain momentum while driving in snow or mud?
Getting stuck in the snow or mud in a Jeep can be embarrassing. When you’re driving through this type of terrain, keep the vehicle moving slowly without overrevving the engine. You’ll want to stay in a low gear, but not so low that you don’t move. If you begin to lose traction, turn your steering wheel back and forth rapidly. This could allow the wheels to grab some fresh terrain. If you lose traction, stop driving. Loss of traction leads to wheel spin, which will only dig you deeper in the snow or mud.
Jeeps are capable of driving on many off-road terrains and taking you deep into the wilderness. Which Jeep SUV will you drive?
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Stacy Wilson 
Gavin Thompson