The Jeep, as a vehicle brand, is known for its excellent off-roading capabilities. However, those off-road driving and even everyday road driving can also cause accidents specifically the vehicle’s tendency to flip over. Flipping over is a type of accident that can be attributed to the car’s stability and other factors related to its features.
But do Jeeps flip easily compared to other SUVs? In a related report from the NHTSA a few years back, the Wrangler Unlimited and Renegade were included in the list of ten SUVs that have the tendency to flip over in certain situations. But how can this be possible? Aren’t the Jeep vehicles supposed to be built to withstand hilly and uneven road conditions? Let’s find out the reasons behind it as we go along in this article.
Why do Jeeps Flip Over?
The reason behind the Jeep’s tendency to flip over is due to its physical features, particularly the tall construction and the high center of gravity. It can be surprising to anyone because Jeep Wranglers, in particular, were built for off-road driving. However, other factors need to be considered before we question the stability and clumsiness of this vehicle.
In addition, during off-road driving, speed is not a factor at all. Meaning, when driving off-road, you are only driving at lower speeds which allows you to navigate and maneuver the difficult terrain with ease. The slower speed also means that the driver has more control over the vehicle as it gives more time to adjust the wheels. On the contrary, if you are driving your Jeep at high speed, there will be less time to adjust, which means losing control of the car, resulting in the vehicle flipping over.
Factors that Makes the Jeep Flip Over
Most of the Jeep vehicles come with a narrow and short wheelbase which should result in a high center of gravity. This situation makes most of the Jeep vehicles top-heavy, resulting in a flip-over once the vehicle’s balance is thrown off when quick direction changes happen. In addition, most of the Jeep models are usually narrower and taller, which puts the balance unstable, especially at higher speeds.
Another factor that causes the Jeep to flip over is the external factor particularly the obstruction or the obstacle that causes the vehicle to flip over. If the vehicle hits a huge obstacle such as rock or pothole on the road, there is a big chance that the Jeep will roll over, especially if we combine it with high speed. The result will also be the same if the Jeep hits or collides with a vehicle or hits a curb.
Also, please be reminded that any vehicle with a high center of gravity and a short wheelbase has a greater tendency to roll. Because of this issue, it is the responsibility of the driver to drive carefully and accordingly to prevent the vehicle from flipping over. When everybody is blaming the vehicle, I feel that it is not correct. The design may play a crucial role, but the driver’s carelessness will contribute a major role if the vehicle flips over in an accident.
The short wheelbase and gravity, which often result in the vehicle flipping over already, are well-known to the industry. And the Jeep as a brand has been continuing to develop and improve its brand to resolved and eliminate the issues. As proof, if you compare the Wranglers of today and the early days, you will see the difference in wheelbase and its overall width.
Preventing the Jeep from Flipping Over
The key to preventing the Jeep from flipping over easily should be in the hands of the driver. Being able to drive smart and careful should be an excellent start to minimize the tendency in having any form of accident and the Jeep’s flipping over on the road. Also, you should never think that the Jeep is exempted from the flipping if you drive it the wrong way.
It is also essential to keep the Jeep weel-balanced and to have a low center of gravity. But how are you going to do it? You might want to avoid lifting your vehicle and just make it simple while finding a way for the vehicle to have extra stance and height without having the extra lift. It is also essential to keep the geometry of your vehicle’s suspension balanced, minimizing all the changes in the factory specs of the vehicle. If you need to alter it, make sure that it is done the right way.
If you have a rack on the top of your Jeep, make sure to put just enough weight and not overload it. The unwanted weight at the top can be a recipe for disaster, especially when taking turns. So, make sure that your Jeep is always balanced, particularly the weight distribution, center of gravity, and suspension. Once everything is balanced, it will minimize the chance of having the vehicle flip over during the accident.
Conclusion
Do Jeeps flip easily? The answer to the question will all depend on a lot of factors. The most important thing is for the Jeep owner to know the vehicle’s limitations. These limitations include being cautious during driving as well as refraining from speeding. Some Jeep models are prone to flip over, but it all depends on several factors, including the driver.
Flipping over can happen to any vehicle and is not limited to Jeep Wrangler. It may happen to other vehicles as well. When a car stumbles into a rock or some massive road obstruction, an accident may happen, resulting in a flip over. But over the year, the Jeep as a brand is boosting its safety to prevent the vehicle from flipping over quickly.