The Jeep Wrangler is a synonym for incredible off-road capabilities. The Wrangler has been around for years, and it's become one of the most popular options when it comes to off-road vehicles.

The thing about the Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited is that it's capable even with stock parts and equipment, but countless aftermarket options can improve this vehicle's performance capabilities. It's good in mud and rough terrain, but is this SUV good in snow as well? We'll also share some quick tips for driving in the snow with your Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited.

Are Jeep Wranglers Good For Winter Weather?

The Jeep Wrangler is a genuinely capable SUV that can tackle the roughest terrain, and no matter what the surface is, it will rarely admit defeat. In countless instances, the Wrangler demonstrated its off-road abilities, and it's all thanks to its high ground clearance, powerful engine, and 4x4 drivetrain.

When it comes to driving in snow, ground clearance plays an important part. Unlike in regular road cars, you don't need to worry whether you're going to hit an obstacle hidden by snow. The 4x4 drivetrain is as important as off-road features get. When driving on slippery surfaces such as snow or mud, it's common for one or more wheels to lose traction. Having the best possible tires will also help in getting out of these situations.

A powerful engine is an important aspect, but it doesn't dramatically affect the ability to drive through snow that much. A strong engine is recommended in cases where the vehicle needs to overcome steep obstacles or rocks, but the most important thing is traction, at least when it comes to snow.

Ways to Improve Jeep Tire Traction

No matter how the Wrangler might be capable, there are a few things you can do to further improve its traction.

One of the most obvious things is to make sure you're using the correct type of tires on your Jeep Wrangler. Depending on the surface you'll be driving on, you should choose the appropriate tires. Tires for different surfaces have specific thread patterns and are made from specific tire compounds that provide the best traction for a specific surface. If you're expecting severe snow and icy roads, recommendations would include BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires and Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs.

Tire pressure also affects the traction - overinflated tires have less contact with the surface, and they're less flexible. When it comes to driving on mud and loose terrain, it's recommended to deflate the tires a bit so the tire will cover a larger surface.

Another way of significantly increasing traction in your tires is fitting tire chains. This is not just recommended, but mandatory on many mountain roads where there's a lot of ice and snow. Keep in mind that tire chains will help on snow and icy roads, but they will also reduce traction when there's no snow.

For those with a Jeep Wrangler equipped with one, a locked diff will increase traction significantly. Modern vehicles have systems that automatically select the appropriate option to maximize traction, however, not all SUVs are fitted with this feature. Wrangler owners can install a locking diff, though, if you're serious about traction.

There are a few other options when it comes to improving your Jeep Wrangler's grip and traction, but these are the best ways to improve and maintain traction.

Important Snow Safety Supplies

Off-roading while it's snowy is both fun, and challenging, and aside from preparing your Jeep, there are some essential supplies you should always carry just in case. These include:

• Shovel
• First aid kit
• Tire chains
• Flashlight and flares
• Warm blankets
• Warm clothes
• Jumper cables

A first aid kit should always be at your disposal, no matter if you're using your Jeep Wrangler as a daily driver or as an off-road vehicle. Unfortunately, accidents happen, especially when you're pushing yourself and your Jeep to its limits.

The thing you should have as a part of your snow safety supply kit is a shovel. This simple tool is important for both off-road adventures on mud and snow because even the best tires and most powerful engine sometimes aren't enough to get your SUV out of a slippery situation. Having a shovel will allow you to physically dig out your tires if you find yourself in a situation like that.

Tire chains are a recommended addition to your snow safety supply kit because you never know when you'll need them. Tire chains will allow you to increase your traction on ice and snow.

Having a flashlight and flares in your Jeep is important for obvious reasons - you can get stuck, and you'll need a light source for others to be able to see you. If you're driving in the wintertime, nightfall comes much earlier, which means you'll need light to navigate if your SUV gets stuck.

Cold weather can easily drain out your battery, due to regular wear and tear, or if you left your headlights on while the engine wasn't running. Having a set of jumper cables will allow you to start your engine, but only if there's another vehicle you can connect the jumper cables to.

Lastly, a set of warm blankets and clothes is required for the most obvious reason. If your Jeep gets stuck or stops working for any reason, you'll need to keep warm in cold weather until you get help.

Prepare for Weather & Terrain Changes

Off-roading can be really fun, but it can also be really challenging. When going off-road during winter, it's essential to check the weather forecast. Heavy snowfall can get you stuck easily, and make it even more difficult to get unstuck, especially if you plan on going to a remote location. It's also important to know the terrain, if there are steep hills, bodies of water, or any other type of obstacle you'll likely come across.

Knowing what kind of terrain you'll be challenged by, you can prepare your Jeep Wrangler accordingly with appropriate tires, suspension settings, and equipment. It's no surprise that you'll find everything you need to gear up your Jeep right here at 4 Wheel Parts.