Driving Guidelines (Utility
Models)
This multipurpose passenger vehicle is defined as a utility vehicle in
Consumer Information Regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the United States Department of
Transportation. Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a narrower
track to make them capable
of
performing in a wide variety of off-road
applications. Specific design characteristics give them a higher center of
gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a
better view
of
the road allowing you to anticipate problems. They are not
designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional 2-wheel drive
vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at
all
possible, avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers.
As
with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in
loss
of control or vehicle rollover.
OffmRoad
Driving
with
Your
Four-Wheel
Drive
Vehicle
This off-road guide
is
for vehicles that have four-wheel drive. (Also, see
“Anti-lock Brakes” in the Index.)
If
your vehicle doesn’t have four-wheel drive,
you shouldn’t drive off-road unless you’re on
a
level, solid surface.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have some definite hazards.
The greatest of these is the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you’ve left the great North American road system behind.
Traffic lanes aren’t marked. Curves aren’t banked. There are no road signs.
Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill
or
downhill. In short, you’ve gone right
back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that’s why it’s very important
that you read this guide. You’ll find many driving tips and suggestions. These
will
help make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable.
Before
You
Go
Off-Roading
There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to
have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Be sure you read all
the information about your four-wheel drive vehicle in this manual.
Is
there
enough fuel?
Is
the spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid levels up where
they should be? What are the local laws that apply to off-roading where you’ll
be driving?
If
you
don’t know, you should check with law enforcement people
in the area. Will you be on someone’s private land?
If
so,
be sure to get the
necessary permission.
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