Suzuki GRAND VITARA 2008, Owner'S Manual

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4-6
DRIVING TIPS
78KS0-37E
Off-Road Driving
Your vehicle has specific design character-
istics for off-road driving. When you leave
the paved road, you will encounter driving
surfaces of all kinds which may change
continually as you drive. It is important
when driving off-road to follow the guide-
lines below.
Use Caution on Steep Inclines
Always inspect hills before you attempt to
drive up them. Know what is on the other
side and how you will get back down. If you
have any doubt that it is safe, do not
attempt to drive over a hill. Never drive
your vehicle up an extremely steep incline.
Coming down a steep hill can be trickier
than getting up one. Keep the vehicle
heading straight down the hill and use low
gear. Do not lock the brakes. If the vehicle
begins to slide, accelerate slightly to regain
steering control.
Do not Drive Across the Side of Hills
Driving across the side of a hill can be
extremely hazardous. Most of the vehicle’s
weight will be transferred to the downhill
tires, which could result in the vehicle roll-
ing sideways. Whenever possible, avoid
this potential hazard. Also, if you have to
exit your vehicle on a side-hill, always get
out on the uphill side.
Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times
You and your passengers should use the
seat belts at all times when driving off-
road. For proper seat belt use, refer to the
“Seat Belts” section in this manual.
Avoid Sudden Reactions in Mud, Ice, or
Snow
Be careful when off-road conditions are
slippery. Reduce your speed and avoid
sudden movements of the vehicle. If your
vehicle is equipped with the transfer
switch, be aware that driving in deep snow
or mud can cause a loss of traction and an
increase in the resistance to the vehicle’s
forward motion. Use 4WD low gear (4L)
and maintain a steady but moderate speed
with a light touch on the steering wheel
and brakes.
Do not drive in the field covered with
grown grass
If you drive in the field covered with grass,
it may cause unexpected accident or vehi-
cle damage by getting caught in grown
grass.
Tire Chains
If you must use tire chains to increase tire
traction, observe the following precautions:
• Use SUZUKI genuine tire chains or
equivalent small link chain or wire chain.
• Choose a safe place away from traffic to
install the chain.
• When installing the chains carefully fol-
low the manufacture’s instructions.
CAUTION
Unevenly worn tires can cause prob-
lems in the operation of the transfer
switch. Be sure to rotate the tires
according to the maintenance sched-
ule. Refer to “Tires” and “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in the
“INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE”
section for proper tire rotation proce-
dures.
Off-Road Driving: NO