April fourth is Jeep 4×4 Day
Frankfurt, April 4th 2019
Since 2016, the Jeep® brand has officially celebrated 'Jeep 4×4 Day' on April 4th for all fans and off-road enthusiasts under the sign of the 4 - and this is now in its fourth year.
The 4 is already revealed 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 a campfire. On the ground, Jeep SUVs and off-road vehicles have few limits thanks to their legendary capabilities, including a range of advanced four-wheel drive systems for confident 4x4 performance on all terrain and weather conditions.
The sophisticated Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system with four or five modes depending on the model, which is available for all 4×4 vehicles in the four model series Jeep Renegade, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee – 4×, also ensures progress 4 4 4.
Despite all the structural, technical and technological features of the vehicles from the number 1 off-road vehicle and SUV brand, the driver himself still makes the most important decisions - not only on but also off paved roads. 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 needed off-road - unless you are driving the Paris-Dakar Rally. Otherwise, it's about safely climbing over obstacles in four-wheel drive with a low gear ratio 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 deal with inclines?
Slopes or climbs may only be driven straight ahead in the fall line. Driving sideways dramatically increases the risk of a sideways slip or rollover. It's also smart to know what's on the other side of the slope before going up it. If the ascent comes to a standstill, for example because the ground no longer allows enough traction, put the reverse gear and the crawl reduction gear in and roll backwards down the slope exactly straight ahead. When driving downhill, always use the lowest gear and - with manual transmissions - never disengage the clutch. This is the only way to use the extremely important braking effect of the engine.
Climbing over rocks and other obstacles?
We call it “creeping” for a reason. Use the lowest gear, crawl reduction and four-wheel drive and simply let the vehicle crawl over obstacles such as rocks or logs with as little throttle as possible - idling is usually enough. The rule is: the slower, the better. Rocks must always be placed under a wheel, never between the wheels. If you still hear scratching on the underbody: don't panic. Skid plates and impact protection profiles on a Jeep 4×4 vehicle (depending on equipment and accessories) bear the brunt of contact. Reduced tire pressure of 1.3 to 2.2 bar improves traction and helps prevent tire punctures. Of course, always ensure that the recommended air pressure is restored for road trips.
How should I behave on the trails?
The most important principle: We always leave the off-road route in better condition than we found it. In addition, Jeep drivers never leave off-road areas. We protect the beauty and solitude of nature and choose an alternative route if the terrain looks particularly sensitive.
Glossary
Approach angle at the front (also: approach angle): The maximum angle of inclination that the vehicle can drive from the level without the body coming into contact with the ground.
Rear approach angle (also: departure angle): The maximum incline angle from which the vehicle can descend onto the flat without the body coming into contact with the ground.
Ramp angle: The maximum angle between the front and rear wheels that can be traveled over without touching the ground.
The longer the wheelbase, the greater the ground clearance must be to maintain a large ramp angle. Wheelbase: The distance between the front and rear wheels.
Ground clearance : The maximum distance of the lowest component of a vehicle from the ground.
Axle articulation: The height difference between the fully compressed and fully extended wheels of an axle.
When driving on the road, the axle articulation should be as low as possible and when driving off-road, the axle articulation should be as large as possible Wading depth: The depth of water that the vehicle can travel through without water entering the engine's air intake or the interior.
Tipping angle: Incline at which the vehicle can drive across the slope without tipping over to the side.
