One of the highlights of owning a Jeep Wrangler is the ability to go off-roading. Jeeps are built for going on adventures with various obstacles. If you’re new to off-roading, here are some safety tips for driving your Jeep off-road.
Check the Vehicle Beforehand
Before you start your off-road adventure, thoroughly inspect your Jeep to make sure everything is functioning properly—you wouldn’t want anything to go wrong on your trip. Check your oil and coolant levels, and top off the windshield wiper fluid if necessary.
Don’t forget to check your tire pressure, too. According to Gizmodo, “A tire with less pressure not only rides better off-road, but it can also absorb more impact, reducing chances of harm to the tire or the vehicle.” If necessary, lower the pressure in your tires.
Know Your Jeep
You’ll also want to have a good grasp of your Jeep’s capabilities. Know how much clearance you have above and underneath your Jeep. Also make sure you have the right Jeep Wrangler off-road parts to make your adventure safer and more efficient.
Bring the Proper Tools
Keep various kits in your truck in case you get stuck on an obstacle. We recommend that you pack the following to get yourself out of a tough situation if the occasion arises:
- A recovery kit
- A flashlight
- Work gloves
- A MAXTRAX
- An air compressor
- A jump start kit
- A tire repair kit
- Hand tools
- A jack
Don’t Go Alone
In the event of an emergency, you don’t want to be stuck alone. Make sure you ride with at least one co-pilot so that you have help if you do get stranded. Plus, off-roading with friends is more fun than going alone.
Know Your Limits
Once you’re out off-roading, you don’t have to push your Jeep—or yourself—to the limit. If you don’t feel comfortable going up against a certain obstacle, don’t.
Know the Trail
Another crucial component to safely off-roading is understanding the trail. You’ll have to be flexible, of course, but you don’t want to run into any surprises you’re not comfortable with.
Drive Over Hills Up and Down
When you go off-roading, make sure you drive over hills straight up and down. You don’t want to drive diagonally and risk rolling over.
Cross Obstacles at an Angle
On the other hand, you should cross obstacles at an angle—you want to climb over them one wheel at a time.
Pay Attention
This definitely isn’t the time or place to be texting and driving. It’s essential to remain aware of your surroundings, from other off-roaders to obstacles ahead.
Drive in a Lower Gear
Off-roading requires you to drive your Jeep slowly and in a lower gear. You shouldn’t change gears in the middle of an obstacle—estimate which gear you should be in beforehand to the best of your abilities.
Be Courteous
Our final safety tip for driving your Jeep off-road is to be courteous to other drivers and to respect the trails. Obey the right of way, yield to other off-roaders, and give them the space they need to complete an obstacle.