5
213
Starting and Driving
Driving Conditions
Before the Trip
Check the following at regular intervals
and always before long trips:
• tire pressure and condition;
• levels of fluids and lubricants;
• conditions of the windshield wiper
blades;
• clean the glass on the external light and
all other glass surfaces;
• proper operation of the warning lights
and of the external lights.
CAUTION!
It is however advisable to perform
these checks at least every 600 mi
(1000 km) and always following the
maintenance schedule reported in
section "Maintenance and Care".
Before you drive:
• adjust seat position, steering wheel and
rear-view mirrors in order to have the
best driving position;
• ensure that nothing (mat covers, etc.) is
obstructing the pedals movement;
• carefully arrange any objects in the
trunk, to prevent them to move forward
in case of sudden stops;
• avoid heavy meals before a trip. A light
snack helps keep your reflexes sharp. In
particular, avoid drinking alcohol.
WARNING!
Passenger must only travel seated in the
vehicle seat, with the seat belt fastened.
Always check that the driver and
passenger have the seat belt correctly
fastened.
Safe Driving
Although the vehicle is equipped with
active and passive safety devices, the
driver's conduct is always a decisive
factor for road safety.
Some simple rules for traveling safely
in different conditions are listed below.
Some of them will probably already
sound familiar but, in any case, it would
be useful to read them carefully.
Driving at Night
The main guidelines to follow when
driving at night are set out below.
• Drive drive carefully. Night conditions
demand more focus and attention.
• Reduce your speed, especially on roads
with no streetlights.
• Stop at early signs of drowsiness.
Continuing to drive would be a risk for
yourself and for others. Have a rest
before continuing your trip.
• Keep the vehicle at a greater distance
from vehicles in front of you than you
would during the day: it is difficult to
assess the speed of other vehicles
when you only see the lights.
• Use the high beams only outside of
densely-populated areas and when you
are sure that they will not disturb other
drivers.
• When another vehicle is approaching,
switch from high beams (if on) to low
beams.
• Keep lights and headlights clean.
• Outside of densely-populated areas,
beware of animals crossing the road.
Driving in the Rain
Rain and wet roads are dangerous.
On a wet road all manoeuvres are
more difficult since wheel grip on the
asphalt is significantly reduced. This
means that the braking distances
increase considerably and the road grip
decreases.
Some advices for driving in the rain are
listed below.
• Reduce your speed and keep a greater
safety distance from the vehicles in
front of you. High speed may result in a
loss of vehicle control.
• When driving on wet or slushy roads,
it is possible for a wedge of water to
build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as aquaplaning
and may cause partial or complete loss
of vehicle control and stopping ability.
To Next Page
Loading...
