Suzuki GRAND VITARA 2008, Owner'S Manual

Page: 99 / 308

3-8
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
78KS0-37E
For automatic transmission vehicles,
always set the parking brake before mov-
ing the gearshift lever to the “P” (PARK)
position. If you park on an incline and shift
into “P” before setting the parking brake,
the weight of the vehicle may make it diffi-
cult to shift out of “P” when you are ready
to drive the vehicle.
When preparing to drive the vehicle, move
the gearshift lever out of the “P” position
before releasing the parking brake.
WARNING
• Never drive your vehicle with the
parking brake on: rear brake effec-
tiveness can be reduced from over-
heating, brake life may be
shortened, or permanent brake
damage may result.
• If the parking brake does not hold
the vehicle securely or does not
fully release, have your vehicle
inspected immediately by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer.
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully
before leaving your vehicle or it may
move, causing injury or damage.
When parking, make sure the gear-
shift lever for manual transmission
vehicles is in 1st gear or “R”
(Reverse) and the gearshift lever for
automatic transmission vehicles is in
“P” (Park). Never leave the transfer
lever (if equipped) in “N” (Neutral)
when you are parked. Remember,
even though the transmission is in
gear or in Park, you must set the
parking brake fully.
WARNING
When parking the vehicle in
extremely cold weather, the following
procedure should be used:
1) Set the parking brake.
2) Shift the manual transmission into
reverse or first gear, or the auto-
matic transmission into “P”
(Park).
3) With the engine off, get out of the
vehicle and put chocks under the
wheels.
4) Release the parking brake.
When you return to your vehicle,
you must remember to first set the
parking brake, then remove the
wheel chocks.
Using the Transmission: 10