April 4 is Jeep 4×4 Day
Frankfurt, April 4, 2019
Since 2016, the Jeep® brand has officially celebrated ‚Jeep 4×4 Day‘ on April 4 for all fans and off-road enthusiasts in honor of the number 4 – and today marks the fourth year of this celebration.
The number 4 is already evident in the number of letters in the Jeep brand name, which also stands for the four brand values of authenticity, freedom, adventure, and passion. The outdoor brand Jeep feels most at home in the four natural elements of water, air, fire, and earth – in the case of fire, especially around the campfire. On earth, Jeep SUVs and off-road vehicles know few limits thanks to their legendary capabilities, which are enhanced by a range of advanced four-wheel drive systems for superior 4×4 performance on any terrain and in all weather conditions.
The sophisticated Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system, with four or five modes depending on the model, also ensures progress. It is available for all 4×4 vehicles in the four model series Jeep Renegade, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, and Jeep Grand Cherokee – 4×4 4 4.
Despite all the structural, technical, and technological features of the vehicles from the number one off-road vehicle and SUV brand, it is still the driver who makes the most important decisions—not only on paved roads but also off-road. Helpful instructions for safe 4×4 driving.
Jeep® tips for responsible off-road driving
How fast am I driving?
Speed, cornering dynamics, and acceleration are not required off-road—unless you are driving in the Paris-Dakar Rally. Otherwise, it is a matter of climbing safely over obstacles in four-wheel drive with low gear reduction and close to engine idle speed. The average speed on the famous Rubicon Trail, for example, is between just 1.6 and 8 kilometers per hour.
How do I handle inclines?
Slopes or inclines may only be driven straight ahead in the line of descent. Driving sideways dramatically increases the risk of skidding sideways or rolling over. It is also wise to know what is on the other side of the incline before driving up it. If the vehicle comes to a standstill on the incline, for example because the ground no longer provides sufficient traction, engage reverse gear and low range and roll straight back down the slope in reverse. When driving downhill, always use the lowest gear and – with manual transmissions – never disengage the clutch. This is the only way to utilize the extremely important braking effect of the engine.
Climbing over rocks and other obstacles?
We call it „creeping“ for good reason. Use the lowest gear, low range, and four-wheel drive, and simply let the vehicle creep over obstacles such as rocks or tree trunks with as little gas as possible—idling is usually sufficient. The rule is: the slower, the better. Rocks must always be placed under a wheel, never between the wheels. If you still hear scraping on the underbody, don't panic. The skid plates and underbody protection profiles of a Jeep 4×4 vehicle (depending on equipment and accessories) bear the brunt of any contact. Reduced tire pressure of 1.3 to 2.2 bar improves traction and helps prevent flat tires. Of course, always ensure that the recommended air pressure is restored for road driving.
How should I behave on the trails?
The most important principle: we always leave the off-road track in better condition than we found it. In addition, Jeep drivers never leave the areas that are approved for off-road driving. We protect the beauty and solitude of nature and choose an alternative route if the terrain looks particularly sensitive.
glossary
Front approach angle (also: approach angle): The maximum angle of inclination that the vehicle can drive up from level ground without the body touching the ground.
Rear approach angle (also: departure angle): The maximum angle of inclination from which the vehicle can drive down a slope without the body touching the ground.
Ramp angle: The maximum angle between the front and rear wheels that can be traversed without touching the ground. The longer the wheelbase, the greater the ground clearance must be in order to maintain a large ramp angle.
Wheelbase: The distance between the front and rear wheels.
ground clearance: The maximum distance between the lowest part of a vehicle and the ground.
Axle articulation: The difference in height between the fully compressed and fully extended wheel of an axle. When driving on roads, the axle articulation should be as small as possible, and when driving off-road, it should be as large as possible.
Water depth: The depth of water that the vehicle can drive through without water entering the engine's air intake or the interior.
Tilt angle: Grade at which the vehicle can drive across the slope without tipping over sideways.
