The Jeep Wrangler offers two 4-wheel settings, 4-High and 4-Low. 4-Low uses a reducer in the transfer case of the Wrangler to keep the speeds low. This in return gives the vehicle extra power straight to the wheels, where it is most needed in the occasion where 4-Low is necessary. Of course, whenever off-roading with any motor vehicle, use every precaution necessary to keep you and others safe and out of harm's way.
Real off-roading occasionally gets too sticky for 4-High to handle alone. That is when you need to call in reinforcement, namely, 4-Low. Whether you are in snow, sand, rocks, mud or any other tire-gulping substance, 4-Low will give you the best chance of getting out of that situation. 4-Low will also help you tow those larger than usual payloads if you are having trouble tugging the weight in Drive or 4-High. It is very important to remember not to do any sharp turning in 4-Low and not to exceed speeds of 15 MPH. 4-Low is meant for low speeds and no turns, and will perform the best when those two simple rules are followed. Other than those two rules, there are not any official rules as to when you should use 4-Low. If you wish to use it because you are not getting enough traction, use it. It is your prerogative.
When you get stuck, and 4-Low will not get you out, there are a few things you can do to help your cause. First, if you are off-roading with more than one vehicle, have the other vehicle tow you out. If you are alone in this fight with nature, it would be useful to have a winch on the front of your Jeep. Strap the winch to a stationary object such as a tree or pole, turn the winch on, put her into 4-Low and slowly creep out. If all else fails: always have a cell phone at your disposal to call a pal for help.
