If you're eager to take advantage of our used Jeep inventory for some backroad 4x4ing, you may want to heed these warnings first.
- Do not use a locking differential, or part-time four-wheel drive on dry pavement
- Do not put your vehicle in 4-Low while moving
- Do not gun the engine to get unstuck from mud or sand
- Do not use traction control on mud or sand
In the video, Engineering Explained dives into the mechanics and physics of why not?
The answer to the first big "don't" has to do with going around corners. When turning, the outside wheels have to travel a farther distance than the inside wheels, therefore, they must spin faster. If they are unable to spin faster, because the locking differential is engaged, you may damage the differential and the drivetrain.
Similarly, when turning, the front tires are traveling a longer distance than the rear tires, and thus must spin faster. When part-time four-wheel drive is engaged, the front and rear wheels will be spinning at the same rpm.
For answers to the rest, check out the video.