2013 Jeep Patriot Owner's Manual - Page 335

STARTING AND OPERATING 333 CAUTION! Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. Before Climbing A Steep Hill As you approach a hill consider its grade or steepness. Determine if it is too steep. Look to see what the traction is on the hill side trail. Is the trail straight up and down? What is on top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks, branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If everything looks good and you feel confident, then you should Hill Climbing use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and 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 to climb and should not be attempted. You should always Driving Up Hill feel confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You Once you have determined your ability to proceed and should always climb hills straight up and down. Never have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle attempt to climb a hill on an angle. up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an 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. 5