Tips for Taking your Jeep Off-Road

Most people get a Jeep vehicle because they are the best vehicles on the market and because nothing goes off the road quite like a Jeep. Take a look at the Wrangler, for example. It dates all the way back to the Willys Jeeps of the Second World War and has continued in the same tradition to this day. Driving a Jeep in the wild is a completely different experience than driving down the highway. You need to ensure you take the proper steps before you get behind the wheel to have the safest and most efficient trips possible. 

Before you take your Jeep off-roading, you will want to make sure you get to know your Jeep as much as possible. The first thing you will want to do is read your owner's manual so that you know the ground clearance, how to lock your four-wheel-drive in place, and when you need to use all four-wheels or only two. Start by driving your Jeep on narrow roads so you get used to the side clearance and how well it handles. Next, continue by going up and down on steep hills. If you have some gravel roads near you, go down them! It will give you a feel for when you need to stop and when you need to speed up. The next thing you're going to want to do is do some research. Find some approved off-road locations best suited for your Jeep and where it's legal to go off-road, such as US Forest Service Roads and ORV parks. You're also going to want to check the weather forecast for the entire time that you're out so that you'll be prepared for inclement weather conditions. Pack a survival kit, just in case! We recommend keeping a checklist to stay on top of everything you need and modify it as you go on. Last but not least, never ride alone! Always have a friend near you, and let people know where you are going to be! 

If you take a survival kit with you, which we highly recommend, you'll want to make sure that it's packed with all the things you might need if you get stuck. Things like food and water, a first-aid kit, flairs, a flashlight, and a thermal blanket are all things we recommend you put in your survival kit on your off-road excursion. In addition, make sure you take things such as a towing winch, tow straps, chains, extra batteries, snatch-blocks, and shovels. Grab an extra pair of work gloves and some rugged clothing, and remember to keep a jack handy and a spare tire in case you have a blowout. Make sure it's a full spare and wheel instead of a donut spare. 

When you hit the trails in your Jeep for some off-road adventures, you need to make sure you're exercising different techniques when you're behind the wheel. You can practice in muddy conditions and make sure that you keep your momentum going. If you end up spinning your wheels, make out, and don't force your way through. If you find yourself in rocky conditions, lock the hubs of your wheels and take things slow. You should also air down your tires to give you a little more traction. 

If you're in the market for an off-road capable 4x4 Jeep, you've come to the right place here at Junction Auto Sales! We have all of the latest Jeep vehicles, from the Renegade to the Grand Cherokee, in stock for you to see and test drive. If you want, one of our knowledgeable and friendly sales team members can accompany you on the test drive to get used to all the tech features and engines. If you find something you like, we recommend heading to our finance department to work with you towards a fantastic deal. If you can't make it down to the dealership or prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home, be sure to check out our entire Jeep inventory here on our website!