Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
STARTING AND OPERATING 163
Before You Cross Any Type Of Water – As you approach
any type of water you need to determine if you can
cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get out
and walk through the water or probe it with a stick. You
need to be sure of its depth, approach angle, current
and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy
waters, check for hidden obstacles. Make sure you will
not be intruding on any wildlife and you can recover the
vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe crossing is the
water depth, current and bottom conditions. On soft
bottoms the vehicle will sink in, effectively increasing
the water level on the vehicle. Be sure to consider this
when determining the depth and the ability to safely
cross.
Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other
Standing Water – Puddles, pools, flooded or other
standing water areas normally contain murky or muddy
waters. These water types normally contain hidden
obstacles and make it difficult to determine an accu-
rate water depth, approach angle, and bottom condi-
tion. Murky or muddy water holes are where you want
to hook up tow straps prior to entering. This makes for
a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery. If you are
able to determine you can safely cross, than proceed
using the low and slow method.
Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or Other
Flowing Water – Flowing water can be extremely
dangerous. Never attempt to cross a fast running
stream or river even in shallow water. Fast moving
water can easily push your vehicle downstream
sweeping it out of control. Even in very shallow water, a
high current can still wash the dirt out from around your
tires putting you and your vehicle in jeopardy.
There is still a high risk of personal injury and vehicle
damage with slower water currents in depths greater
than the vehicle's running ground clearance. You
should never attempt to cross flowing water which is
deeper than the vehicle's running ground clearance.
Even the slowest current can push the heaviest vehicle
downstream out of control if the water is deep enough
to push on the large surface area of the vehicle's body.
Before you proceed determine the speed of the
current, the water's depth, approach angle, bottom
condition and if there are any obstacles, then cross at
an angle heading slightly upstream using the low and
slow technique.
AIRING DOWN FOR OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Running lower tire pressure off-road can improve your ride
comfort and vehicle traction. Reducing the tire air
pressure allows the tire to bulge slightly, improving its
surface area for better flotation and ability to mold or form
to the ground contour. Different terrain, tires, and vehicles
require different tire pressure. Hard surfaces like rock and
heavier vehicles require higher pressures than softer
surfaces such as sand and lighter vehicles. You will need
to experiment to determine what is right for your situation.
It is easier and faster to let air out than it is to replace it.
Start high and lower it as required. Remember you must
return the tires to normal air pressure before driving on
road or at highway conditions. Be sure you have a way to
return the tires to their normal on road air pressure.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system
effectiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.
WARNING!
Never drive through fast moving deep water. It can push
your vehicle downstream, sweeping it out of control.
This could put you and your passengers at risk of injury
or drowning.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressure increases the risk of tire damage
and may cause tire unseating with total loss of air
pressure. To reduce the risk of tire unseating, while at a
reduced tire pressure, drive at slower speeds and avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
4
23_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 163
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...