Sure, your Jeep was built with off-roading in mind. That’s an advantage right there, when it comes to having fun clambering over boulders, making your way through mud or uneven terrain, or fording streams or creeks.
However, such exquisite craftmanship and durability does not let you off the hook where readying your vehicle is concerned. Before heading out for an off-roading expedition, it’s vital that you prepare your Jeep to stay safe and ensure you’ll have a blast. Here’s how.
Be Certain Everything Works
Yes, we know that when the “spirit” moves, you want to just jump in your Jeep and get your off-roading groove on. Well, not so fast. To ensure a great adventure, you want to be sure that, ah, everything works. After all, your vehicle will be under more stress than usual, and you’ll be in a remote location, where getting out of a stuck or broken-down situation could be more than a notion.
Particularly, make sure your inspection includes lights, tires, brakes, hoses and belts, fluids and fluid filters, and your battery.
Decrease Your Tire Pressure
Letting some of the air out your tires will increase how much surface area your tires touch. In turn, you’ll have better traction, and your risk of sliding or slipping will drop.
If you do air-down your tires, be certain you take along a portable tire inflator so you can return tire pressure to recommended levels before heading back home on paved roads.
Lift Your Suspension
Adjusting your ride’s suspension can work wonders when it comes to handling larger obstacles or taking on steep inclines during off-roading expeditions. Not only will doing so allow you to more easily clear uneven terrain, but you’ll lessen your risk for underbody damage. Before lifting your Jeep, make sure you do so in accordance with area laws and regulations.
Know Your Vehicle
Have you taken a good look at your Jeep’s manual, or have you never cracked it? Doing so will help you grasp your SUVs’ capabilities, including its ability to lock into four-wheel drive and its ground clearance.
If you’ve never taken your Jeep off road, or if you have and it’s been a while, you might want to put it through some easy paces before heading to a trail. You want to have a real-life, working knowledge of how your vehicle handles gravel and dirt roads. Then you should test your Jeep on inclines, narrow roads, and creeks if they’re around. This way, you’ll gain an improved understanding of what your ride can do.
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Have Proper Tools
This means making sure you take along a tow strap in the event you get stuck, and assuming there will be someone around (off-road with friends!). You also need a foldable shovel, grease, Allen wrenches, and air pressure gauge. In terms of personal items, you’ll want to bring provisions such as water, food, blankets, and a first aid kit.
Take Your Top Off
This may not be a safety issue, but it’s worth considering if you want the optimal off-roading experience: remove your Jeep’s top. That’s right, while everybody’s different, many off-roaders find that taking their top first enhances their off-roading. Why? You can enjoy the fresh air and clear view of the scenery. Of course, if you have a soft top, removal is a snap. A hard top renders removal more challenging – unless you have a special Jeep top removal tool.
Yes, Jeeps are sublimely capable SUVs that are more than up to snuff when it comes to tackling rough terrain. However, that knowledge does not exempt you from doing your part to ensure a safe and thrilling excursion. So, do be sure to make necessary preparations.
