Get to Know Your Vehicle
Because every vehicle operates a
little differently, be sure to read
your owner's manual and get
acquainted with your vehicle
before you drive off-road.
If you have 4-wheel drive, you can
use it for better traction and greater
mobility off-road, but remember to
switch back to 2-wheel drive before
you return to pavement.
Whether you have 2-wheel or
4-wheel drive, you need to know
that your vehicle has higher ground
clearance than passenger cars
designed for use only on pavement.
Higher ground clearance has many
advantages off-road. It allows you
to travel over bumps, obstacles and
rough terrain and helps protect
undercarriage components. Since
you sit higher off the ground, you
have a better view of the
surroundings.
These advantages come at some
cost. Because your vehicle is
taller and rides higher off the
ground, it has a higher center of
gravity than conventional cars.
This means your vehicle can more
easily tip or roll over if you make
abrupt turns or drive on sloped
terrain.
Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. To
avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to follow all
recommendations and precautions
in this booklet.
Off-Road Driving Information
