2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Manual - Page 249

STARTING AND OPERATING 249 build up between the tire tread and the road. This hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking ability, and control. • After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes may become wet, resulting in decreased performance and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very slow speeds. VARI-LOK REAR AXLE - IF EQUIPPED The optional Vari-Lok axle is fully automatic and requires no driver input to operate. Under normal driving conditions the unit functions as a standard axle balancing torque evenly between left and right wheels. With a traction difference between left and right wheels the coupling will sense a speed difference. As one wheel begins to spin faster than the other, torque will automatically transfer from the wheel that has less traction to the wheel that has traction. 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 ordinary 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 2-wheel drive vehicles any more than lowslung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions. If at all possible, 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. 5