Using 4-Wheel Drive on a Jeep
Gearing Up to Engage Your Jeep’s 4-Wheel Drive — Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers
If you’re new to Jeep ownership, perhaps you’re wondering what options you have for 4-wheel drive and how you properly use the system. After all, you purchased this particular vehicle, in part, because of its ability to help you navigate less than perfect terrain, but you don’t want to risk damaging your transmission. For help understanding your Jeep’s 4-wheel drive capabilities and for all your mechanical repair, tire, and preventive maintenance needs, visit the ASE certified technicians at Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers in New Berlin, Wisconsin.
What You Have and How You Use Them
When you look at your Jeep’s transfer case shifter, you’ll notice that you have three marked options.
2H: The default gear is 2 high. As such, you don’t need to shift to get there. This setting is suitable for most driving situations and, therefore, the vehicle should usually remain in this setting.
4H: If you anticipate needing a little extra road traction, you can use 4 high. This is helpful in slick weather conditions or on dirt roads because the front wheels will be given a little extra power and traction. While you can drive at a reasonable speed in 4H, you shouldn’t reach speeds of more than 50 miles per hour.
4L: 4 low allows the front and back wheels to work together when you cross very rough terrain, mud, heavy sand, or deeper snow. Use this setting with extreme caution. You shouldn’t drive more than 15 miles per hour in 4L.
You’ll need to use proper procedures to shift between settings without causing transmission damage. If you need to change from 2H to 4H, slow down. Once you decelerate to a speed of less than 35 miles per hour, you can “shift on the fly” into 4H. To shift into 4L, slow to a crawl (no more than 2-7 mph). Shift the transmission to neutral and move the vehicle into 4L. Always shift to 4H first. When going back to 2H, always use neutral and shift back to 4H before going back to the 2H road gear.
Your Neighborhood Jeep Repair Specialist
For nearly five decades and through two generations, Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers has provided exceptional service for both vehicles and customers. Although dealerships are nice and serve important purposes, you don’t have to spend the extra time and money required to get car repairs done there. We can take care of what you need right in the neighborhood. We offer a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty as well as multiple discount coupons on our Specials tab. We look forward to seeing you and your Jeep soon!