Jeep Gladiator 2020 - Page 386

384 STARTING AND OPERATING
Driving Downhill
Before driving down a steep hill, you need to determine if it
is t
oo steep for a safe descent. What is the surface traction? Is
the grade too steep to maintain a slow, controlled descent?
Are there obstacles? Is it a straight descent? Is there plenty of
distance at the base of the hill to regain control if the vehicle
descends to fast? If you feel confident in your ability to
proceed, then make sure you are in 4L (Low) and proceed
with caution. Allow engine braking to control the descent
and apply your brakes, if necessary, but do not allow the
tires to lock.
Driving Across An Incline
If at all possible, avoid driving across an incline. If it is neces-
sary, know your vehicle's abilities. Driving across an incline
plac
es more weight on the downhill wheels, which increases
the possibilities of a downhill slide or rollover. Make sure the
surface has good traction with firm and stable soils. If
possible, transverse the incline at an angle heading slightly
up or down.
If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep
hill
, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately
apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift into REVERSE.
Back slowly down the hill allowing engine braking to control
the descent and apply your brakes, if necessary, but do not
allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use vehicle
brak
es in conjunction with engine braking. Descending
a grade too fast could cause you to lose control and be
seriously injured or killed.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a rollover,
whic
h may result in severe injury.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot make
it t
o the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt to turn
around. To do so may result in tipping and rolling the
vehicle, which may result in severe injury. Always back
carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE. Never back
down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the vehicle brakes.
Never drive diagonally across a hill, always drive
straight up or down.