Jeep is known for producing some of the most rugged vehicles in the world. Popular models, like the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee, come ready to tackle rough terrain. However, conquering an off-road trail isn’t as easy as you may think. Here are some tips for taking your Jeep on an off-road adventure for the first time.

Watch Your Speed

When venturing off the beaten path, some Jeep owners make the mistake of going too fast. This is especially true for amateurs. Speed can be your enemy. While you may need to slightly increase your speed when encountering hills, the best approach is to maintain and slow and steady pace. You’ll have a far greater sense of control.

If you’re speeding along an off-road course, expect the vehicle’s suspension to bottom out at some point. The jolt could be powerful enough to send you flying out of your seat. The chances of you damaging something also increase dramatically. Sharp rocks and tree trumps can thrash the undercarriage, thus forcing you to speed more money on repairs.

Lower Your Tire Pressure

On the street, it’s important to keep your tires inflated to the factory-recommended pressure. This helps ensure better handling and optimum fuel economy. However, drivers often need to lower the tire pressure when traveling off-road. Even normal pressure can cause the tires to bounce like a basketball. You definitely won’t enjoy the rougher ride.

Aside from giving you a smoother ride, a lower pressure also helps lessen impacts. Expect your Jeep to feel noticeably more stable. Another benefit of lowering the tire pressure is enhanced traction on muddy trails. Because the tires will be touching the ground at a lower pressure, they can better grip slippery surfaces.

Don’t Go Alone

If you don’t have a lot of experience off-roading, it’s probably not a good idea for you to go alone. Nothing is scarier than being stuck in the middle of nowhere without a companion. There could be unknown dangers lurking in the woods. A buddy will help you to safely explore the rough backcountry. Although Jeep 4X4 vehicles are extremely capable machines, don’t take any unnecessary chances.

To enjoy greater peace of mind, try to find another off-road enthusiast in Asheville who has their own 4X4. They’ll be able to show you the ropes. You may also need them to pull you out of a ditch.

Have Your Vehicle Serviced and Inspected

Before you take your Jeep on an epic adventure, be sure to have it serviced by a professional mechanic. You’ll be less likely to experience a breakdown. It’s definitely in your best interest to have the transmission inspected. When attempting to maneuver out of a mudhole, transmission temperatures can rise quickly. Its cooling system must be in prime working condition.

Your Jeep may also need a wheel alignment. It’s easy for suspension parts to get bent when driving over tough landscapes. The vehicle may then begin to veer to one side on the street, thus making it more difficult to control.

Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenarios

You never know what can happen on an off-road excursion. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. To be on the safe side, be sure to bring along a first-aid kit. This will enable you to quickly disinfect and patch up wounds.

It also never hurts to pack a little extra food and bottled water. In the event that you become stranded for longer than expected, you’ll appreciate having iodine pills on hand. These pills can purify water, which allows you to safely consume natural freshwater sources.

5 Common Signs of Transmission Issues

No matter what type of vehicle you own, your car or truck’s transmission is one of its most complex components. Unfortunately, this means that it can also be one of the most expensive systems to repair. Catching transmission issues early is the best way to stop damage in its tracks and save hundreds, many even thousands of dollars in the process.

With that in mind, here are 5 signs to look for if you suspect transmission issues:

1. Fluid Leaks:

One of the easiest ways to identify an issue with your transmission system is to look for fluid leaks. If you notice a red, tart- or sweet-smelling fluid in your driveway, this can be a sure sign that your car needs immediate professional attention. Changes to your transmission fluid levels can be another strong indicator that something may be wrong. Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid is not burned while running a vehicle. If you notice that your fluid is running low, this typically means you have a leak.

Transmission leaks can be caused by a number of factors including:

Damaged bell housings
Services such as transmission flushes or radiator replacements that require disconnection of the cooler lines
Gaskets or seals that have become worn or damaged
A poorly balanced drive shaft
Battered axles or transmission mounts
Loose transmission pans

You can help detect and avoid many transmission issues by monitoring & regularly checking transmission fluids.

2. Shift Delays:

If you notice a delay when shifting gears, this may be a sign of transmission issues. Each time you shift the clutch, your transmission should go into the right gear without any hesitation.

If your vehicle has a manual transmission, you may notice a slight delay as you shift gears. This is often indicative of a worn clutch or other transmission issues.

With an automatic transmission, your transmission may notice a pause when switching from park to reverse. If you experience any of these issues, it is important to have your car examined by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

3. Warning Lights:

Most all modern vehicles have built-in sensors that are designed to detect irregularities. If an irregularity is detected, the sensors trigger your car’s computerized warning system. As a result, a warning light appears to notify you of an issue with a particular part of your vehicle.

In many cases, these sensors are able to detect developing problems before you ever notice them. In the case of transmission issues, the transmission temperature warning sign is often of the first indicator that your transmission might be failing. If by chance you see this light, it means that something is causing your transmission fluid to get hotter than normal.

Any time the transmission temperature warning light appears, it means that you need to have your transmission inspected by a professional immediately. Our expert maintenance and repair technicians can check your coolant and transmission fluid levels to help identify the source of the issue.

4. The Dipstick Test:

One of the simplest ways to prevent transmission issues is to check your transmission fluid regularly. If and when possible. Although some vehicles may not have a standard dipstick that enables the car or truck owner to check their transmission fluid level at all.

However, if your vehicle is equip with a dipstick for manually checking your fluid level and condition it could be difficult for you to locate. The following are a few helpful tidbits. For vehicles with rear-wheel drive, your dipstick should be located near the back of your in-line engine. If your vehicle has front-wheel drive, you can find your dipstick protruding from the transaxle.

If you have trouble locating the dipstick, bring it in for an inspection where one of our professionals can check the fluid levels for you. If you check it yourself and notice transmission fluid that is brown or smells like burnt toast, that is a sure sign that it needs to be changed.

Many vehicles factory recommended maintenance schedules suggest a transmission flush at certain mileage intervals. Possibly the schedule for the transmission flush may be contingent upon individual driving conditions.

5. Weird Noises:

If you ever happen to notice an out of the normal or odd car or truck noise, address it. With that said, it’s also important to know what type of transmission system you have. This is because manual and automatic transmission systems act differently when they are failing.

Knowing what to look and or listen for is key to detecting a problem and avoiding further damage. If your transmission is manual, you may notice a grinding noise when you change gears. Anytime you hear a grinding noise after a shift, this is likely a sign of a worn clutch or damaged gear synchronizers.

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, listen out for humming, buzzing or whining sounds. You may also notice that your shifts between gears aren’t as smooth as they usually are.

When it comes to transmission issues, early detection is key. If you experience any of these 5 problems, bring your car or truck in for a checkup right away. It will likely result in saving you both time and money.