HOLDEN RC COLORADO 2010 - Page 108

Driving through water
WARNING
Do not drive through water with a depth of more than 600 mm for 4 wheel drive
(4X4) vehicles.
When driving through water ensure the following is observed:
• Know the depth of the water; choose the lowest entry and departure angles
before entering.
• Select 4L and 1st gear; maintain a steady engine speed and avoid splashing to
help prevent water from entering the exhaust system if the tailpipe is below the
water level.
• Drive with the ow wherever possible. If you have to drive against the ow, try to
drive at an angle to it so that the leading corner of the vehicle will help deect the
water from the engine compartment.
• Avoid splashing the water – if the ignition system becomes wet the vehicle
may stall.
• Ensure the water does not enter the engine air intake system, as engine seizure
and costly damage may result.
• Test the brakes after you have left the water. Wet brakes are less effective than dry
ones. To dry the brakes faster, drive the vehicle slowly while applying light pressure
to the brake pedal.
• After driving through water, perform the following checks for water contamination at
the earliest opportunity:
– Renew any lubricating oil that has a milky appearance, indicating contamination
with water.
– Check the air lter element.
– Check the engine.
– Check the transmission, front and rear tailshafts and the axles.
– Check the interior of the vehicle.
Recovery and towing
When recovering or towing a vehicle off-road, observe the following:
• A greater force is required to move a vehicle from or through mud than when on a
rm road surface. Ensure the steering wheel is centred.
• Attach the tow rope to the towing eye of the vehicle, not to the axle.
• Where possible, drive both vehicles forward to effect a recovery, using the
appropriate gear to avoid excessive wheel spin.
• Avoid the use of reverse gear because of the possible resultant wheel spin.
• Stay clear of the tow rope. Breaking ropes can cause serious injury.
• Ensure tow rope is of sufcient strength.
4X4 DRIVING PRECAUTIONS cont.
Chapter 4
DRIVING
4-8