Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicle
Off
Paved Roads
Many of the same design features that help make your
vehicle responsive on paved roads during poor weather
conditions
-
features like all-wheel drive
-
help make it
much better suited for off-road use than a conventional
passenger car.
Its
higher ground clearance also helps
your vehicle step over some off-road obstacles.
But
your
vehicle doesn’t have features like special underbody
shielding and a transfer case low gear range, things that
are usually thought necessary for extended or severe
off-road service. This guide is for operating your vehicle
off
paved roads.
Also, see Braking on page
4-6.
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. vou’ve aone riaht 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. Check
to
make sure all
underbody shields
(if
so
equipped) are properly
attached.
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.
4-1
7
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