Before anything else, you must pat yourself on the back for choosing the Jeep
Wrangler. It is one of the most versatile vehicles out there. But getting such a
robust four-wheeler is the first half of the story. In order to experience what it can
offer, you need to learn how to drive a Jeep Wrangler.
Well, even though the aggressive looks of the Jeeps might make you think they are
hard to ride, they actually are not! You just need to keep a couple of basic things in
mind. And after factoring in those, driving the Jeep will be a piece of cake for you.
Want to know what basics we are talking about? We will let you know them all in
this guide!
Off-Road System Basics
Generally speaking, the Wranglers will come with a dual transfer case. That means
you will find a second case behind the transmission. It simultaneously transfers the
torque to the back differential or the front and back. With that out of the way, let us
cover each of the settings of the Wrangler:
4WD
Regardless of the weather condition, if you put the setting that engages all the four
wheels, you can maneuver the Jeep properly. This system will usually use the
center differential or a clutch to allow the rear and the front-drive shafts to turn at
varying speeds.
AWD
This setting is pretty similar to the 4WD. However, for the AWD, the 4-low system
is not available. And due to not having “low range,” the AWD vehicles are not that
good at handling off-road terrains. But they will drive exceptionally well on paved
and well-maintained surfaces in the regular settings.
Part-Time 4WD
The vehicle will operate just like a regular two-wheel Jeep on this setting.
However, the difference between the full-time system is that the part-time will not
utilize the center differential. Instead, it will lock the rear and front drive shafts.
You can ride in challenging road conditions and off-road terrains with this system.
On-Demand 4WD
Again, this setting will make the Jeep operate just like a two-wheel ride. But this
one will automatically engage the 4WD and transfer the power to the secondary
axle when it gets on challenging terrains. That includes driving in mud or snow.
Gear Positions of Jeep Wrangler
So, there are different gear positions on the Jeep Wrangler. Here is a short
description for each:
2 Hi
Otherwise known as 2H, this position is for regular driving. On paved roads and in
normal conditions, you will not need to worry about anything else if you have the
gear in this position.
4 Hi
Again, this gear position has another name. It also goes by 4H. This position is for
driving at normal speed. But it offers extra traction for hard-packed sand, dirt-
filled, snowy, slick, and icy roads.
4 Lo
This position also goes by the name of 4L. And you need to engage it when you
require the highest level of power and traction but at slower speeds. It will get you
through deep snow or mud roads without any issues.
Shifting Gears
If you did not know it, you could shift the gear when the Wrangler is moving. But
when you are shifting, you need to consider these:
Shifting from 2H to 4H
If you are on a loose, slick, or wet road, you should switch to 4WD. And for this,
you should firmly and slowly pull the lever back. Doing so, you can successfully
change the gears to 4Hi.
Shifting from 4H to 4L
When you need the maximum traction on the roads, you should switch to 4L. And
for this, you will need to slow down the Jeep to 2 to 3 mph. When the vehicle is
slowly rolling, first shift the gears to neutral. Then, you should firmly and slowly
pull the lever to the back.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is driving a Jeep too tricky?
Not at all! Jeep, especially the Wrangler, is easy to drive. And compared to other
vehicles, Wranglers offer a lot to the table when it comes to versatility. And that is
exactly what makes them easy to drive.
2. Are Jeeps for short people?
Due to the seating position and the blind spots that the short people will face, we
would say no. However, Jeep is a perfect option for people of average height if you
are looking for a highly versatile vehicle.
3. Is Jeep Wrangler a safe pick for a first car?
Wrangler can be a good option for your first car if you have never driven a vehicle
around. Usually, Wranglers offer good overall affordability, safety, and feature
value. So, you will not go wrong.
4. Can I use my Jeep Wrangler as a daily driver?
If you are not the long commute on the highway type of driver, the Wrangler
should be a great pick for a daily driver. You will get good ground clearance, better
handling in challenging conditions, and high overall durability.
Final Words
See? It is pretty easy to learn how to drive a Jeep Wrangler properly. You really
do not need to keep a lot of things in your mind. Just the factors in a couple of the
basic stuff, and you will be good to go.