Jeep enthusiasts thrive on adventure. Prepare your vehicle for a challenge if you plan on off-roading during the most punishing season of the year. New Jeep Wrangler parts provide peace of mind when heading off the beaten path. Follow these five tips to stay safe when off-roading in winter.
Tires for Any Terrain
The first step to successful winter off-roading is choosing the right tires. Quality tires provide traction on snowy surfaces. A fresh tread helps with traction, so as winter approaches, invest in a new set of off road tires.
Off-road tires differ in a few key ways from standard snow tires. First, they’re much wider. This provides a cushion of safety on uneven terrain. Typical snow tires are narrow, as they’re designed to punch through one layer of snow and reach the road. The second difference is a more extreme tread. Look for the deepest tread you can find for maximum grip. Finally, off-road tires are reinforced on the sides to handle more bumps than you’d find on a road.
Utilize a Lift Kit
Another way to weather bumps when off-roading through snow is to lift your jeep. A lift kit raises the suspension and provides necessary clearance when off-roading. As you lift your Jeep, you can also choose larger tires because of the increased space around the wheels. These large tires are sturdier and provide more traction than smaller tires.
For winter off-roading, you’ll want a Jeep lifted by at least 2 inches. More intense lifts of 2.5 to 3 or even 4 inches provide even more clearance and accommodate larger wheels. These lifts will require new, larger shock springs to avoid suspension damage. If you bought a used Jeep and are unsure if it’s lifted, measure the shock springs against the factory standard spring measurements to determine your lift.
Stay on Top of Maintenance
Tires and lift kits are exciting parts of prepping a Jeep for off-roading, but don’t forget the fundamentals of winter vehicle care. Check your coolant and antifreeze levels before winter to avoid engine breakdowns. Make sure your battery is in working order and has a full charge.
Inspect Your Engine
Perform a full inspection of your engine before you take your Jeep off-roading in winter. Any cracks or loose connections are better found in a garage than on a freezing slope.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Embarking on any outdoor adventure in winter carries personal risks. Mitigate these risks by packing an emergency kit before you go winter off-roading. A few essentials for this kit include:
- Cold-weather gear such as gloves, scarves and hats
- Thick blankets
- Ready-to-eat food and water
- Tow rope
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Matches and candles
Winter weather can be dangerous even for seasoned off-roaders. Overprepare in case your Jeep becomes stuck in an unfamiliar location. A well-stocked kit provides both you and your loved ones peace of mind.
Successful winter off-roading can be thrilling with the right tools and planning. With new 8×6.5 wheels, a proper lift, a solid engine and an emergency kit, you’ll be ready for the challenge.