Driving your Jeep in the snow and when to switch to 4 wheel drive - The Jeep Doctor

[@marissabarragan2043]

Finally a video straight to the point .

[@unofficialuseonly]

Thank you

[@vitvit1250]

thank you thank you.. i am traveling to Montana in march and am renting a Jeep Wrangler.. i wanted someone to explain exactly what and how it worked.. thanks again

[@unofficialuseonly]

No problem! Glad to be some assistance

[@JeepTJWheelin]

4Lo is at 15mph tops. Any faster and the transfer case and trans are going to have issues!

[@NorthWestAutos]

Yep. Even 10mph is plenty of speed for 4lo

[@aujaneshepard7122]

My car overheated after driving in 4low on the freeway at 40-50 for 5 minutes. What happened?? I was On For low because it was icy on the street before the freeway

[@JeepTJWheelin]

@@NorthWestAutos I make a point not to exceed 7mph in 4Lo. It's only meant to get you out of a tough and hopefully brief situation.

[@AStanton1966]

Sounds about right; I would say: watch the tach!

[@All_Day_Rae]

Thank you so much I love you for posting this much appreciated

[@unofficialuseonly]

Glad that I could help!

[@eileenmcgeean6178]

Thanks for the clearest explantion for my jeep and my climate

[@unofficialuseonly]

@@eileenmcgeean6178 glad to be of service

[@VT-ix5oh]

Just started using my 4h in my 2022 wrangler stick yesterday and had questions, awsome video. Thank you. I stopped to go into 4h cause i was afraid to swiych

[@unofficialuseonly]

Now you know that you don't have to stop. Glad that I could help

[@JeepTraveller2021]

and good to do this periodically to move the oils in the front transfer and diff cases. They see much less wear generally. Great video-Jeepers familiarize yourself with your Jeep-it’s an awesome piece of machinery!

[@TheMaineiacguy]

Good video. I'm from Maine and I couldn't agree more, sometimes it's just fun to get out and enjoy driving in the beauty of winter. Ride on my friend, and keep Jeepin.

[@antoniodelgado4939]

I drive a ford f 150 and this is a good video my first time having 4wd and u explained it well in how to use it on the fly good video 📹 👍

[@simplieme88]

Thanks for the video!! To make sure i have this correct 4-Lo is for driving on snowy/icy roads ( don’t go over 35mph) 4-Hi is for off-roading… 3 year Jeep owner and never tried it, but we have a bad snow storm headed this way Louisiana 😊

[@unofficialuseonly]

@@simplieme88 4 low is really for off-roading, for high is for driving on Snowy icy roads

[@unofficialuseonly]

@simplieme88 I would only try 4 low if you've actually slid off the road and are stuck in the ditch. 4 high can be used even at highway speeds if the roads are iced up and snow covered

[@freddynj6140]

keep the jeep wave alive

[@ghrohrs2025]

Hahaha...my 2000 XJ Classic has the pull lever for the transfer case. Pulling into 4H feels a bit "grindy", but it does the job. The worst part, unlike your Jeep, is getting out of 4H back to 2H. I can push the lever back down to 2H, but it never feels smooth. My steering becomes very tight and turning creates a ton of uncomfortable feedback in the transmission shuttering. I once got a tip from a country mechanic to shift into reverse after shifting the transfer case out of 4WD. That works, but now I find myself having to aggressively reverse through a turn to unlock the 4H shuttering/tightness. It's not a pleasant experience.

[@billnu]

Sounds like your hubs might have an issue. Some auto hubs need reverse to unlock completely

[@mark.hapsis4315]

Shifting lever must be lubricated with silcone. Cut hole spray. It. Works good now

[@JeepTraveller2021]

better for components to shift into 4-wheel at lower speeds though-yes? 4-wheel drive engagement makes components that are not rotating have to immediately engage at the speed the engine/shafts are rotating at suddenly. So I understand and appreciate shift on the fly but for durability I have been advised by experienced Jeepers of several generations to make this shift at as low a speed as practical for 4-hi ( and there is 4-hi auto and 4-hi to consider here) and 4 lo, as you have stated, is done at the slowest perceptible movement to ease engagement while not placing stress on the drive train until fully engaged.

[@tanyagibson1182]

I need to shift into 4wheel drive before I start to drive, can I shift in sitting still?

[@unofficialuseonly]

@tanyagibson1182 you can, but it is much easier when you are moving

[@tanyagibson1182]

@unofficialuseonly , Thank you 👍🏾

[@bigrich7026]

There is so much more to understanding this...

[@Mr2fiveone]

Awesome, thanks! When the winter hits and the roads are snowy, I don't exceed 55 mph when in 4 high. Here in Minnesota, all wheel drive vehicles are really overzealous zipping by me going well over 60 mph. Even the 4 wheel drive Ford, Chevy, and Dodge trucks are zipping by, I assume they are in 2 wheel drive? At any rate, I feel safe keeping it between 50 &55 in 4 High in my Jeep Gladiator Sport.

[@Kreegrrr]

The other brands are pretty much in 4 auto which helps a ton in snow conditions, that's probably why they're zipping by with no issues.. Jeep Wrangler 4xe have 4 auto I believe.

[@izaboobella8070]

Hi. I hope you see my question. I live in northeast ohio n the snow gets really bad. 4h would be best to drive it in correct on highways or main roads. I have a 2018 jeep wrangler. Shoukd i be using a button called traction at the same time?. I used to drive a liberty n i feel like i slip more in my wrangler and im now petrified of the snow. Im not sure what im doing wrong. Thank you.

[@unofficialuseonly]

@izaboobella8070 first I would advise that you not use the button called traction,as that will actually turn off some of the traction control of the vehicle. I would recommend using 4 high only on snowy and icy roads. The traction control will remain active when you are in 4 high, however it is mostly disabled when you are in 4 low. The traction control and four-wheel drive system in your Jeep are actually quite advanced. I would just advise in snowy and icy conditions that you not accelerate or decelerate quickly. As this can cause a loss of traction. As I just described to my son do everything with a light touch. Acceleration deceleration and turning should all be done with a light touch, or smoothly. Any aggressive action can cause a loss of traction.

[@izaboobella8070]

@unofficialuseonly thank you very much for responding. I'm going to try that.

[@calsurflance5598]

Jeep JK manual cautions against exceeding 25 mph in 4L, as engine over speed can occur.

[@unofficialuseonly]

Correct! Over revving the engine is always bad, the caveat is depending on tire size, gear ratio size and other parameters, your max speed might be mildly higher or lower than that in 4 low. However in 4 high you can confidently travel at any posted speed limit.

[@mudkingful]

why when my jeep grand cherokee is in 4 wheel drive an i make a sharp turn,,,there in binding in my rearend an a loud pop,,,,,,help pls

[@debraschilling4152]

Does the same shifting into four-wheel-drive on the fly work for a 2006 jeep liberty? That is what I have

[@tyronejenkins6445]

Just bought a 2021 willys turbo diesel

[@dironizareyes596]

i had a clunk and grinding noise from the front recently. My mechanic disconnected the first driveshaft and it went away. i never use the selec trac so i dont think the transfer case is worn out i have a 242 transfer. could it be a malfunction with the transfer case switch?? how many sensors or switchesare on the 242np. i have a 2004 grand cherokee laredo with trail ready badges 155k on the clock. 4 1/2 inch lift with 265/70/17 tires. please help!!!! thanks in advance. btw when i select it into full time 4 x drive theres no light indicator on dash when i select other like 4 part time i can see the indicator light on dash is that normal?. i think it worked fine in full time 4x. i only notice the problem in full time 2 wh dr. what could it be?? it usually happens after 20-30 of driving

[@AStanton1966]

I'm no mechanic but I would think most vehicles with 155K on the clock are going to be making some kind of noise.

[@TheRobotix]

I am getting ready to travel cross country and with this crappy weather I was wondering. When should you use chains and do you put them on the back, front, or both? I have a JL Rubicon. Thanks for your help!

[@unofficialuseonly]

I have never actually had to use chains for their intended purpose. However if you are traveling across the country and you think it wise to have chains, you will be happy to learn that there are zip tie tire chains available. They are very easy to install and remove, and way much less than standard tire chains. I ordered a few packs of them and keep them in the cubby in the back of the Jeep. They could come in handy at some point in really icy snowy conditions or even mud.

[@AStanton1966]

I would go for short trips and conditions where the snow is so high that the belly of the Jeep is hitting it.

[@kraybrother8768]

4lo is just to get unstuck, you going to burn some shit up going 35mph in 4lo

[@unofficialuseonly]

Correct! Over rubbing the engine is always bad! Depending on tire size, gear ratio, and other parameters sets the high speed in 4lo... 4lo should only be used sparingly and in the correct conditions. I would never recommend driving for any sustained amount of time at any amount of high speed in 4lo

[@lewy1]

Yes 4 low is for slow speed off roading or if you need the extra torque to pull something heavy, but like was stated not at speeds anywhere near 35 mph.

[@MullnerFab]

You can not shift if you are spinning the rear tires and front is not at the same speeds. T case does not like that at all.

[@unofficialuseonly]

That is correct! Definitely try not to do that!!

[@pamelav.5699]

I’m not too familiar with four-wheel-drive unless it automatically shifts itself, I just got a 2004 Jeep liberty and I’m not sure what to drive it in on a normal basis till I need otherwise, help ASAP

[@pamelav.5699]

Someone told me that you can’t drive in part time while on regular dry pavement

[@unofficialuseonly]

The Jeep Liberty is equipped a 4-speed, four-wheel drive system called “Command -Trac.” The system provides two-wheel drive, neutral, four-wheel drive high range and four-wheel drive low range positions. Shifting the Jeep into four-wheel drive may become necessary on slippery or icy roads, and switching between the high and low range may become necessary if the road conditions deteriorate as you travel on them. The four-wheel drive is also very helpful if you travel off highway. Grasp the transfer case shifter on your Jeep and shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive high range by pulling straight back on the shifter from "2H" to "4H." This shift can be made at any speed less than 55 miles per hour, without stopping. The case will shift easier if you ease off the throttle as you move the lever. Four wheel high should only be used on slippery surfaces, (ice, snow, gravel etc). I would recommend against using four-wheel drive on dry pavement

[@pamelav.5699]

ThankYou This information is very useful. So when I’m driving, the dash light should be on part time till otherwise needed?

[@pamelav.5699]

I’m familiar with standard shift, it’s my favorite type of vehicle to drive, I learned with a 5 sp Ford ranger. I need an empty parking lot and some practice with this Jeep today!Yesterday I wasn’t sure if the part time light on the dash was supposed to be on and drive in part time, So I pulled the four-wheel-drive shifter to neutral. It ran very smoothly till I reached the parking space where I was trying to park, when trying to pull in and back up and pull forward it did not want to go, I had to push it back down into part time drive before it would actually park. So my main question is, Do I drive in part time when driving till needing to shift in other drives due to weather and etc?

[@mathieucomeau4749]

Is that the same thing for 2015 wrangler

[@unofficialuseonly]

Yes it is

[@DS-ju2sq]

have a 2004 JL with 66k miles mint garaged 18 year. Never used 4wd. I've had all the underneath cases oil changed diff trans etc. is there something i need to heed trying this vehicle in 4wdH and Low ??? linkage and such? There is zero corrosion on anything under the body front to back. many thanks

[@unofficialuseonly]

You really shouldn't have a problem as long as everything is free. I always recommend that at least once a month you should engage 4H and 4L on a dirt road, or slick surface. That way you are guaranteed that it will work when needed.

[@DS-ju2sq]

@@unofficialuseonly hey thanks a bunch for gettin back. I will geter warm tomorrow and try them both, pretty excited tbh. just researching the crap outta everything to keeper healthy for the nxt 20 yrs.

[@parkermoes5281]

I have a 2018 Compass Latitude 4x4 and haven't gotten a chance to test out the 4WD yet until now (tomorrow it's supposed to snow where I am), now, it's automatically in 4WD being a 4×4 Jeep but there is a snow mode. Should I keep it in auto or put it in snow mode?

[@rturo101]

Howd your jeep do? I have a 2015 compass, they handle pretty good...

[@parkermoes5281]

@@rturo101 Mines actually been doing great! The 4WD in snow mode works so well. No slipping at all (although I still have to be mindful of stopping distance). It makes driving in treacherous winter weather so much easier and safer!

[@AStanton1966]

Only go to snow mode when the road is completely covered with snow. We have a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the same set up. Auto is pretty much idiot-proof.

[@jacquesdedawg5840]

I drive mine mostly on 2 H but on the highway full of snow. Thats when i put 4 H. Beside that JK 2H are good for snow

[@MrKannin]

Thanks for this. Thought I made a mistake with my sport jl in Michigan.

[@RadicallyLowly]

Ty for the Advice ✅

[@donnawoolley9276]

I have a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. There is nothing to use for four wheel drive. Is it always there when you need it. In other words is always engaged?

[@johngaudet6316]

Grand Cherokee is fulltime 4WD and 4 low can be engaged when stopped or N for flat towing behind an RV.

[@mikethompson7406]

If you're on the highway and you see an ice patch you can just reach down click it into 4hi click it into 4lo either one and you're good to go. I will put my JLUR into 4lo on the highway because you told me to.

[@unofficialuseonly]

You might need to watch it again, I did not say that you can put it in four low on the highway

[@mikethompson7406]

@@unofficialuseonly @2:49 "If you are on the highway and you see an ice patch you can just reach down, click it into 4hi, click it into 4lo either one and you're good to go." I just broke my Jeep. Who do I sue? :D

[@unofficialuseonly]

Damn, this video has been up for a couple years, and you're the first person to catch that.... I'm so sorry, you should never be in four low on the highway!!!

[@mikethompson7406]

@@unofficialuseonly hahah yeah I know. I was just messing with you.

[@ricardoflores4409]

Question..? If I have a 30-45 minute drive home and it’s snowing and looks slippery, can I have it in 4H all 30-45 minutes drive home .. ???

[@ricardoflores4409]

I have a 2024 Willys.. by the way..

[@unofficialuseonly]

@@ricardoflores4409 yes

[@danielle5684]

Do you have any info on the steering wheel turning by itself when making a turn on 4wdH?

[@supercoolchic1]

Are you on dryer pavement? Usually when it’s not as slippery outside you’ll get some resistance from the wheel and will hear a noise indicating that you probably don’t need 4wd at that moment

[@hunterwhitworth1271]

Crow-walking, when you attract friction and traction between the tires and the surface the wheels travel at different speeds when turning, therefore you will feel your vehicle stutter back and forth. Same principle with limited slip differentials in rear and turning, one wheel will turn faster than the other.

[@DeanJohnson67]

I can't imagine driving even 10MPH in 4 low.... what use case would there ever be for that ?

[@WiSeR187]

Incline, sir! Your not always supposed to floor it through obstacles. Also maybe like climbing over something. Maybe sand so you don’t bury yourself. Quite a few uses actually.

[@SpookyMontero]

Driving up sand dunes or Rocky trails it will give you more torque

[@DeanJohnson67]

@@SpookyMontero sure but I have never gone 10MPH myself in a rock crawling environment (sand dunes makes sense though -- have never been in sand dunes myself yet though hopefully someday) ,,, If I'm on rocky terrain and doing 10mph I'm not in 4 low but that's me w/my JT and back when I have my TJ in the 90's! Guess it really just depends on the circumstances!

[@unofficialuseonly]

If your Jeep is an automatic, putting it in four low off-road at lower speeds also can lock the torque converter to prevent overheating the automatic transmission.

[@Lalaleg1938]

Are chains EVER required ?

[@KiRiTO72987]

Some places their are roads where they are required by law if you don't have 3PMS rated tires in the winter time and they can be really helpful if you need to drive a RWD vehicle in the snow

[@itsjustpaul1121]

Does anything change if it’s manual vs automatic?

[@unofficialuseonly]

Not at all

[@AStanton1966]

You have to clutch in when using the transfer case on the manual tranny.

[@co_fishing_outdoors4040]

Is it true Jeep 2 doors are not good in the snow?

[@MoragTong_]

Absolutely not. My 2 door 2001 TJ was like a Porsche on Velcro in the snow. Best handling vehicle in the snow I have ever driven and that includes Audi Quattro. I have had 7 different Wranglers over the years and when it comes to snow, I miss that one the most.

[@WhiteJeep]

@@MoragTong_ what tires did you have on it?

[@ToughLuckWorld]

Thank you Sr

[@drugtalk101]

Can’t hear anything with the music in the background #editskills

[@TonyDang0688]

You sure you didn't have anything in the background? everything was easy hearing when they talked. Even with the background music.

[@shmilypiggy3290]

how fast can you go in 4 hi in a jeep wrangler

[@unofficialuseonly]

As fast as you want. However I would not recommend going above the posted speed limit. I would also not recommend driving around in 4 high unless the conditions require it

[@CarmaWorldMedia]

@@unofficialuseonly hi same q but how about if its a jeep liberty sport auto 2004,? Thank you

[@safutos]

DO YOU HAVE TO PUT IT BACK IN 2WD AFTER PARKING?

[@unofficialuseonly]

No. You can leave it in 4-wheel drive as long as conditions permit.

[@quaranjones2359]

Just don’t be on dry pavement

[@unofficialuseonly]

@@quaranjones2359 that's why I said as long as conditions permit

[@alexcardenas3769]

Thank you

[@tateferreira574]

Great video and great information, thanks Greg.

[@Reaper1alpha]

I have to be in a dead stop for 4hi. I grind if im not. 2017 jku

[@jacquesdedawg5840]

From 2 to 4 H let it coast around 20-30 MPH. You could move it back and forth. With not even a tip of grind whatsoever

[@etwanfredrich9514]

So I got my Jeep stuck in some pretty wild deep snow yesterday. Took me a lot of moving backwards and forwards to get out. Didn’t sound very good for the engine and drivetrain while I was doing it. Now on the highway the steering wheel shakes pretty bad. Not sure if I damaged something or if there’s just snow packed into my wheels. I tried to clear any snow out of my wheels but it still does it and I’m paranoid as hell. Has this happened to anyone else after deep snow driving?

[@unofficialuseonly]

Yes, it happens a lot and it is usually snow and ice build up inside of the wheels

[@mudkingful]

go to a automatic car wash,,,,that should do it

[@kobie4238]

Oh yea i did this last winter it was a huge storm in Chicago January- Feb. I drove into this huge snow embankment for fun in front of my house and it took a few minutes to get out. The snow was packed in the wheels like the other commenter mentioned.

[@willietatum7266]

Great video

[@gursran878]

Four low max 15 kmh . For high 60kmh max

[@inDTM]

@00:56 start here

[@raysmetaltracks6782]

Negative 6? Its a heat wave. Get that top down.

[@unofficialuseonly]

The funny part is that it didn't have a rear window in it

[@YoungBlaze]

never ever ever go higher than 8 miles per hour in 4LO !

[@unofficialuseonly]

Why not?

[@JohnnyDouchbag-nr5yf]

The jeep will explode

[@christj2057]

Shouldn’t go over 55 MPH in 4High

[@eliharalson3541]

why?

[@JustinScottJeffers]

@@eliharalson3541 Depending on what your owners manual says, you can damage parts exceeding 55 on 4Hi. It literally says it in the manual. That is how it is with my 2006 Jeep Liberty.

[@markremillard5135]

We should all go back to real Jeeps and get rid of that crap they made after 2006

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Definitely agree! O|||||||O 🇺🇸Only In A 2 Dr🇺🇸 '41 - '06

[@abbasforamerica7508]

I AM SORRY TO TELL YOU'RE WRONG ON THE 4 LOW!!!! YOU CAN'T GO MORE THAN 10 MILES PER HR!!!! READ THE MANUAL SIR!!!!

[@unofficialuseonly]

I apologize, but you are also incorrect. If you go to the Jeep website, and look up the FAQs, you will see that this is their answer. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). When engaging or disengaging low-range mode, do it only when the vehicle is moving at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or slower. Avoid using this mode for normal driving.

[@unofficialuseonly]

Also, I just have to add that I said you can travel as fast as the vehicle will allow. Which means exactly what it is, depending on the gear ratio inside the transfer case will determine how fast you can go in four low. My Jeep can reach speeds of 45 mph in four low, because of the tire size, gear ratio in the transfer case, and gear ratio in the axles. However, I would not travel at that rate of speed because the engine revolutions would be way too high.

[@mariolozano2707]

Max is 25mph on L