2013 Jeep Patriot Owner's Manual - Page 328

326 STARTING AND OPERATING WARNING! (Continued) practices that limit your response to changing traffic or road conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and have a collision. DRIVE This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the best fuel economy. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal operating conditions. When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick௡ shift control (if equipped) to select a lower gear ratio. Under these conditions, using a lower gear ratio will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up long grades on hot days, the automatic transmission oil may become too hot. If this happens, the transmission overheat indicator light will come on, and the vehicle will slow slightly until the transmission cools down enough CAUTION! Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission damage. Refer to "Recreational Towing" in "Starting And Operating" and "Towing A Disabled Vehicle" in "What To Do In Emergencies" for further information.