FORESTER NA. (E)
7
Starting and operating
7-35
– CONTINUED –
D
Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher speeds.
D
Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering wheel. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Instead drive with your fin-
gers and thumbs on the outside of the rim.
D
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first
check the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream bed for firm-
ness and ensure that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly and com-
pletely through the stream. The water should be shallow enough that it
does not reach the vehicle’s undercarriage. Water entering the engine air
intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts may
damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall. Never attempt to drive
through rushing water; regardless of its depth, it can wash away the
ground from under your tires, resulting in possible loss of traction and
even vehicle rollover.
D
Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving
in sand, mud or water. Do this by driving slowly and stepping on the
brake pedal. Repeat that process several times to dry out the brake
discs and brake pads.
D
Do not drive or park over or near flammable materials such as dry
grass or fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The exhaust system is
very hot while engine is running and right after engine stops. This could
create a fire hazard.
D
After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check
that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to
or trapped on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the under-
body. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to
the underbody, a mechanical breakdown or fire could occur.
D
Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and make certain that it is
not piled higher than the seatbacks. During sudden stops or jolts, unse-
cured cargo could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. Do
not pile heavy loads on the roof. Those loads raise the vehicle’s center of
gravity and make it more prone to tip over.
D
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or mud, depress the
accelerator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth be-
tween “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best pos-
sible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle.
