2012 Jeep Patriot Owner Manual - Page 312

310 STARTING AND OPERATING traction surfaces, activate the "4WD LOCK" switch by pulling up once and releasing. This locks the center coupling allowing more torque to be sent to the rear wheels. The "4WD Indicator Light" will come on in the cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply pull on the switch one more time. The "4WD Indicator Light" will then go out. They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-slung 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. NOTE: Refer to "Electronic Brake Control System/ OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS Electronic Stability Control (ESC)" in "Starting and Op- You will encounter many types of terrain driving offerating" for further information. road. You should be familiar with the terrain and area before proceeding. There are many types of surface ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS conditions: hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on narrower track to make them capable of performing in a your vehicle's steering, handling and traction. Controlwide variety of off-road applications. Specific design ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel ordinary cars. and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems. road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore