Can-Am MAVERICK X3 Series 2017, Operator'S Manual, Page: 25 / 155

RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
pery or has too loose a surface, you
can lose control. If you go over the
top of a hill at high speed, you may not
have time to prepare for the terrain
on the other side. Avoid parking on
a slope. Always put the shift lever in
PARK when stopped or parked, espe-
cially on an incline, to avoid rolling. If
you must park on a steep incline, block
the wheels using rocks or bricks.
Uphill Driving
Use the low range (L) for uphill driving.
Due to its configuration, this vehicle
has very good traction even while
climbing, so much so that tip over is
possible before traction is lost. For
example, it is common to encounter
terrain situations where the top of the
hill has eroded to a point that the hill
peak rises very sharply. This vehicle is
not designed to negotiate such a con-
dition. Take an alternate route.
It is also wise to know the terrain con-
dition on the other side of the hill or
bank. All too often there exists a sharp
drop-off that is impossible to negotiate
or descend.
If you feel that the slope is getting too
steep to climb, apply brakes to immo-
bilize vehicle. Put shift lever in reverse
(R), and back down the hill, barely re-
leasing brakes to remain at low speed.
Do not attempt to turn around. Never
coast down hill while vehicle is in neu-
tral. Do not perform hard braking as it
increases the risk of tipover.
Downhill Driving
This vehicle can climb steeper slopes
than it can descend safely. Therefore,
it is essential to assure that a safe route
exists to descend a slope before you
climb it.
Decelerating while negotiating a slip-
pery downhill slope could “toboggan”
the vehicle, causing it to slide. Main-
tain steady speed and/or accelerate
slightly to regain control. Never slam
brakes and lock the wheels.
Side Hilling
Whenever possible, sidehilling (driv-
ing across a slope rather than up or
down it) should be avoided. If neces-
sary, do so with extreme caution. Side
hilling on steep inclines could result in
rollover. In addition, slippery or unfirm
surfaces could result in uncontrollable
side sliding. Avoid all objects or de-
pressions that will intensify the raising
of one side of the vehicle higher than
the other, thus causing rollover. If you
feel the vehicle start to rollover or slide
sideways, steer downhill if possible.
WARNING
Be careful when loading and trans-
porting liquid reservoirs. They can
affect vehicle stability when side
hilling by pulling downhill and in-
creasing the risk of a roll over.
Drop-Offs
This vehicle is not designed to negoti-
ate drop-offs. It will “bottom-out” and
usually stop if either the front or rear
wheels are driven over a drop-off. If
the drop is sharp or deep, the vehicle
will nose dive and tip over.
Avoid negotiating drop-offs. Reverse
and select an alternate route.
Recreational, Group and Distance
Riding
Respect the rights and limitations of
others. Stay away from areas des-
ignated for other types of off road
use. This includes snowmobile trails,
equestrian trails, cross country ski
trails, mountain bike trails, etc. Never
assume there are no other users on
the trail. Always stay to the right of the
trail and do not zig zag to one side of
the trail then the other. Be prepared
to stop or pull off to the side if another
trail user appears in front of you.
Join a local side-by-side vehicle club. It
will provide you with a map and advice
or inform you where you can ride. If a
________
SAFETY INFORMATION
________
23