How to Put a Jeep in 4-Wheel Drive
Powerful, traction-boosting four-wheel-drive systems are some of the most popular reasons drivers choose Jeeps. If you're looking for an improved grip on the road or if you want to pursue off-road adventures, Jeeps are some of your best options. If you're new to the four-wheel-drive world, a new Jeep owner, or both, use this quick guide to understand your four-wheel-drive system.
What Are Jeep Four-Wheel-Drive Modes?
Jeep Wranglers are often equipped with four-wheel-drive systems that have multiple gears. You'll see these listed on your drivetrain's dashboard switch as:
- 2 Hi or 2H.
- 4 Hi or 4H.
- 4 Lo or 4L.
The 2 Hi or 2H mode should be your Jeep's default setting, as it's meant for dry roads.
Switching to 4 Hi or 4H engages all four of your Jeep's wheels to give you a boost in traction. This mode is designed to handle normal or higher speeds.
If you're rock-crawling or traversing rougher roads at lower speeds, engage 4 Lo or 4L mode. This mode gives you the greatest level of traction but doesn't perform well at higher speeds. This mode increases your low-end torque output and your control over your Jeep's brakes.
When Should I Use Four-Wheel Drive?
You don't need to have your four-wheel-drive system engaged all of the time. Doing this reduces your Jeep's efficiency and causes it to work more than it has to, which can hasten the effects of wear and tear down the line.
Instead, you should only put your Jeep into four-wheel drive when the situation calls for it. Those situations include any that you could benefit from getting a boost in road-gripping traction, such as snow-, ice-, or rain-covered roads or unpaved paths. If the road is made of extremely loose material, such as mud or loose rocks, you may want to go all the way to 4 Lo or 4L mode.
Before you engage your four-wheel-drive system's modes, you should first observe the road conditions to decide if extra traction is necessary. As we mentioned above, look for inclement weather, as well as tougher road surfaces.
How To Put a Jeep Into Four-Wheel Drive
If you decide that it's time to engage your four-wheel drive, slow down. Jeep Wranglers can switch to 4 Hi or 4L mode while traveling under 30 mph. Switching at higher speeds can cause unnecessary strain on your Jeep and potentially damage its components. If you want to create the least amount of stress for your Jeep's drivetrain, come to a complete stop before you make the switch.
When stopped, shift your Jeep in neutral — "N" on your shifter — while maintaining pressure on the brakes. Then you can use the four-wheel-drive shift selector to choose the mode of your choice. After you've done this, shift your Wrangler back into drive mode — "D" on your shifter — and drive on. Repeat this process if you want to continue onto 4 Lo mode.
Don't switch to 4 Lo or 4L mode while your Jeep is moving. Come to a complete stop before you engage 4 Lo mode. If you find that road conditions are improving enough that you can confidently drive over 25 mph, be sure to stop and switch your Jeep back to either 4 Hi or 2 Hi mode, as 4 Lo is not designed to handle higher speeds.
What To Avoid When Switching to Four-Wheel Drive
Switching to and utilizing your Jeep's four-wheel-drive system is fairly simple, but if done incorrectly, you could damage your vehicle's drivetrain. This avoidable issue will likely lead to a trip to a dealership service center to bring your Jeep back up to a healthy point. Here are some things to avoid when switching to four-wheel drive:
High Speeds
As we touched on above, speed is an important factor in deciding which four-wheel-drive mode your Jeep should be in. Luckily, this is a fairly simple formula.
If you're driving at speeds over 55 mph, you should probably be in 2 Hi mode. At speeds higher than this, the roads are likely good enough to not require that extra boost in traction and added strain on your drivetrain.
If you're driving at speeds between 25 to 55 mph, it's fairly safe to be in 4 Hi mode. If you're driving below 25 mph, you'll probably be fine in 4 Lo mode. However, it's still important to consider the road conditions, not just the speed at which you're traveling.
Nice Roads
Is the sun out on a nice summer day? Are you cruising through paved city streets? If so, there is no reason to have your four-wheel drive engaged. You don't need this boost in extra traction if you're traveling on dry, paved roads. To do so is to cause unnecessary stress on your Jeep's four-wheel-drive system. If you're alternating between slick surfaces and dry road, take the time to switch your four-wheel-drive system on and off appropriately.
Switching Modes Frequently
Don't try to jump directly from 2 Hi to 4 Lo. First, completely engage your 4 Hi mode while your Jeep is in neutral. Then, you can switch to 4 Lo. Don't forget to keep your Jeep in neutral for the switch from 4 Hi to 4 Lo.
If you're reading this in preparation for buying a used or new Jeep or if you think it's time to upgrade your current model, you'll find your next adventure-ready vehicle at Freedom Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Virden, Illinois. Our team of Jeep experts is here to show you everything you want to know about the Jeep family and teach you how to use their many features. Get in touch with us today to schedule a test drive of your next Jeep.
Image via Unsplash by Anna Breaux
