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6-49
For safe AWD operation
Before driving
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Make sure all passengers are wearing
seat belts.
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Sit upright and closer to the steering
wheel than usual. Adjust the steering
wheel to a position comfortable for
you to drive.
Driving on snow-covered or icy roads
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Start off slowly by applying the
accelerator pedal gently.
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Use snow tires or tire chains.
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Keep sufficient distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
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Apply engine braking during
deceleration by using the paddle
shifter (manual shift mode) and
manually selecting a lower gear.
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Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration,
sudden brake applications, and sharp
turns to prevent skids.
Information
When using Snow Tires, mount them on
all four wheels.
When using tire chains, install them on the
rear tires. However, driving speed must
be below 20 mph (30 km/h) and minimize
the driving distance. High-speed or long-
term driving with tire chains installed may
malfunction or damage the AWD system.
For more details on Snow Tires and Tire
Chains, refer to "Winter Driving" section
later in this chapter.
Driving in sand or mud
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Maintain slow and constant speed.
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Use tire chains driving in mud if
necessary.
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Keep sufficient distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
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Reduce vehicle speed and always
check the road condition.
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Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration,
sudden brake applications, and sharp
turns to prevent getting stuck.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand
or mud, place a nonslip material under
the drive wheels to provide traction
OR slowly spin the wheels in forward
and reverse directions which causes
a rocking motion that may free the
vehicle.
However, avoid running the engine
continuously at high RPM, doing so may
damage the AWD system.
Driving up or down hills
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Driving uphill
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Before starting off, check if it is
possible to drive uphill.
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Drive as straight as possible.
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Driving downhill
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Do not change gear while driving
downhill. Select gear before driving
downhill.
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Drive slowly using engine braking
while driving downhill.
-
Drive straight as possible.
WARNING
Exercise extreme caution driving up or
down steep hills. The vehicle may flip
over depending on the grade, terrain,
water and mud conditions.
