2011 Jeep Compass User Guide - Page 59

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE • If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels. Then move the shift lever back and forth between REVERSE and DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels, is most effective. NOTE: To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to "Partial Off" mode switch. For further information on ESC, refer to by momentarily pressing the ESC Off the Owner's Manual on the DVD. CAUTION! • When "rocking" a stuck vehicle by moving between REVERSE and DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result. • Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring). WARNING! Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed. 57