2011 Jeep Patriot Owner Manual - Page 308

306 STARTING AND OPERATING Before Climbing A Steep Hill As you approach a hill consider its grade or steepness. Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and Determine if it is too steep. Look to see what the traction total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire is on the hill side trail. Is the trail straight up and down? unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce What is on top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks, your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu- branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If everyvers. thing looks good and you feel confident, then you should use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and Hill Climbing Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under- proceed with caution maintaining your momentum as standing of your abilities and your vehicle's limitations. you climb the hill. Hills can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep Driving Up Hill to climb and should not be attempted. You should always Once you have determined your ability to proceed and feel confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle should always climb hills straight up and down. Never up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an attempt to climb a hill on an angle. easy constant throttle and apply more power as you start up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade, the abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose control. If the front end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle CAUTION!