Page 27 - Jeep Jamboree Ultimate Guide To Safe Common Sense Off-Roading

CROSSING WATER

PREPARING TO CROSS
If you need to cross a stream, a good rule of thumb is do not drive across a stream that you wouldn’t
attempt to cross on foot. Check the depth before you cross, especially in murky, muddy water. Bottom
conditions will affect your vehicle as much as water depth, so it’s important know what kind of surface
you’ll be driving on. Crossing deep water is the only time you should unfasten your seat belt. Keep your
window open and seat belt unbuckled for easier escape in the event of an emergency.

IS IT SAFE TO CROSS? TRAIL GUIDE TIP
Water is deepest where it is the calmest. Areas of faster
moving water will generally be rockier, which can be good for
traction but could easily puncture a tire. Slow-moving water
is typically muddy and can make it difficult to gain traction.

BOTTOM OF HEADLIGHTS: Avoid if possible.
BUMPER DEPTH: Proceed with caution.
UP TO THE AXLES: You’re probably OK.

DRIVING ACROSS
Once you’ve determined the water is safe to cross, practice the following:
• Enter the water slowly and avoid creating a wave that can
splash into your vehicle’s intake.
• Use low range and gear. Do not change gears midstream.
• Drive at a diagonal into the current. This lessens the amount
of surface area for water to push your vehicle downstream.
• Keep steady forward momentum while being careful of
large objects.
• If your engine stalls because of overly deep water or the
ignition getting wet, DO NOT restart it.
• If you start to lose traction on a soft bottom crossing, quickly
turn your wheels left, right, left, right, to reestablish traction.

POST-CROSS
Inspect your vehicle after crossing water to
make sure no damage has been done to the
undercarriage. Always test your brakes
when you return to dry land. You can
accelerate the drying process with
a few sudden, hard stops to
generate some extra heat.

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