Jeep 2012 Patriot - User Guide - Manual (Page 83)

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be
moved by a rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then move the shift lever back
and forth between REVERSE and DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator
pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels, is most effective.
NOTE: To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow,
sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) to “Partial Off” mode by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
For further information on ESC, refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between REVERSE and
DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires.
Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive
wheel speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode
and injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
81