2011 Jeep Patriot Owner Manual - Page 313

STARTING AND OPERATING 311 • 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. 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. • After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or • If you experience unusual vibration after driving in similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected impacted material. Impacted material can cause a and cleaned as soon as possible. wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will correct the situation. POWER STEERING The standard power steering system will give you good vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering capability if power assist is lost. 5