2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Driving Tips

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Driving Tips From Owners Manual

DRIVING TIPS

ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS

Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a narrower track to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than conventional passenger cars. An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems. They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS

Quadra-Lift — If Equipped

When off-roading, it is recommended that the lowest useable vehicle height that will clear the current obstacle or terrain be selected. The vehicle height should then be raised as required by the changes in terrain. The Selec-Terrain switch will automatically change the vehicle to the optimized height based on the Selec-Terrain switch position. The vehicle height can be changed from the default height for each Selec-Terrain mode by normal use of the air suspension switches page 134.

When To Use 4WD LOW Range —  If Equipped

When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for additional traction. This range should be limited to extreme situations such as deep snow, mud, or sand where additional low speed pulling power is needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in the 4WD LOW range.

WARNING

Do not drive in the 4WD LOW range on dry pavement; driveline damage may result. 4WD LOW range locks front and rear drivelines together and does not allow for differential action between the front to rear driveshafts. Driving in 4WD LOW on pavement will cause driveline binding; use only on wet or slippery surfaces.

Driving Through Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving through water, there are a number of precautions that must be considered before entering the water.
NOTE: Your vehicle is capable of water fording in up to 24 inches (61 cm) with air suspension or 21 inches (53 cm) without air suspension, of water while crossing small rivers or streams. To maintain optimal performance of your vehicle’s heating and ventilation system it is recommended to switch the system into recirculation mode during water fording. Be sure to avoid lowering the vehicle in water, ensure that the easy exit-entry setting is turned off in Uconnect settings.

CAUTION

When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering as a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driving through water may cause damage that may not be covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle. If you must drive through water, try to determine the depth and the bottom condition (and location of any obstacles) prior to entering. Proceed with caution and maintain a steady controlled speed of less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave effects.

Flowing Water

If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm run-off), avoid crossing until the water level recedes and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross flowing water avoid depths in excess of 9 inches (23 cm). The flowing water can erode the streambed, causing your vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s) that are downstream of your entry point to allow for drifting.

Standing Water

Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 24 inches (61 cm) with air suspension or 21 inches (53 cm) without air suspension, and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave effects. The maximum speed is 5 mph (8 km/h).

Maintenance

After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle fluids and lubricants (engine oil, transmission oil, axle, transfer case) to ensure the fluids have not been contaminated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance) should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to prevent component damage.

Driving In Snow, Mud, And Sand

In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW if necessary page 134. Only shift into a lower gear to maintain forward motion. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost. Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, because engine braking may cause skidding and loss of control.

Hill Climbing

NOTE: Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the conditions at the crest and/or on the other side. Before climbing a steep hill, shift the transmission to a lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW. Use FIRST gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills. If you stall or begin to lose forward motion while climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine, and shift into REVERSE (R). Back slowly down the hill, allowing the compression braking of the engine to help regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to control vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or skidding the tires.

WARNING

If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion, or cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt to turn around. To do so may result in tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE gear. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the brake.

Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill. Always drive straight up or down. If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain forward motion by turning the front wheels slowly. This may provide a fresh “bite” to the surface and will usually provide traction to complete the climb.

Traction Downhill

When descending mountains or hills, use Hill Descent Control or Selec-Speed Control to avoid repeated heavy braking.
If not equipped with Hill Descent Control or Selec-Speed Control use the following procedure: Shift the transmission into a low gear, and the transfer case into the 4WD LOW range. Let the vehicle go slowly down the hill with all four wheels turning against engine compression drag. This will permit you to control the vehicle’s speed and direction. When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission whenever possible.

After Driving Off-Road

Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is always a good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle ready when you need it.

• Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and suspension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values specified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
• After the extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as soon as possible.

WARNING

Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might not have full braking power when you need it to prevent a collision. If you have been operating your vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked and cleaned as necessary. If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud, slush, or similar conditions, check the wheels for impacted material. Impacted material can cause a wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will correct the situation.