DRIVING TIPS
60A23-07030
OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Your vehicle has specific design charac-
teristics for off-road driving. When you
leave the pavement, you will encounter
driving surfaces of all kinds which may
change continually as you drive. In most
cases, off-road driving requires the use of
4-wheel drive. If your vehicle is a 2-wheel
drive vehicle, you should limit your off-
road driving only to hard, flat, non-
slippery surfaces. 2-wheel drive vehicles
have far less traction on off-road surfaces
than 4-wheel drive vehicles. It is impor-
tant when driving off-road to follow the
guidelines below.
* Use Caution on Steep Inclines
Always inspect hills before you at-
tempt 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.
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* Do Not Drive Across the Side of Hills
Driving across the side of a hill can be
extremely hazardous. Most of the vehi-
cle's weight will be transferred to the
downhill tires, which could result in
the vehicle rolling 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 Seatbelt at all Times
You and your passengers should use
the seatbelts at all times when driving
off-road. For proper seat belt use, refer
to the "Seat Belts and Child Restraint
Systems" section in this manual.
* Avoid Sudden Reactions in Mud, Ice,
or Snow
Be careful when off-road conditions
are slick. Reduce your speed and avoid
sudden movements of the vehicle. If
your vehicle is a 2-wheel drive vehicle,
do not drive in deep snow or mud. If
your vehicle is a 4-wheel drive vehicle,
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.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow,
mud, or sand, follow the directions
below:
1) Shift the transfer lever (if equipped)
to "4L" (with the manual free-
wheeling hubs in "LOCK" position,
if equipped).
2) Shift the transmission back and
forth between a forward range (or
first gear for manual transmission)
and reverse. This will create a rock-
ing motion which may give you
enough momentum to free the vehi-
cle. Press gently on the accelerator
to keep wheel spin to a minimum.
Remove your foot from the ac-
celerator while shifting.
Do not race the engine. Excessive
wheel spin will cause the tires to dig
deeper, making it more difficult to
free the vehicle.
3) If your vehicle remains stuck after
a few minutes of rocking, get
another vehicle to pull you out.
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