2010 BMW X3 Owner's Manual - Page 86

Things to remember when driving General driving notes Closing liftgate Operate the vehicle only when the liftgate is completely closed; otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of the vehicle.< If special circumstances should make it absolutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the liftgate open: 1. Close all windows and the panorama glass sunroof. 2. Greatly increase the air supply of the air conditioning system or automatic climate control, refer to page 64 or 67. Hydroplaning When driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge of water can form between tires and road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplaning, and is characterized by a partial or complete loss of contact between tires and road surface, ultimately undermining your ability to steer and brake the vehicle.< The danger of hydroplaning increases as tire tread depth decreases, also refer to Minimum tread depth on page 98. Driving through water Do not drive through water on the road if it is deeper than 20 in/50 cm, and then only at walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle´s engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged.< Hot exhaust system High temperatures occur in the exhaust system of every vehicle. Do not remove the heat shields installed adjacent to various sections of the exhaust system, and never apply undercoating to them. When driving, standing at idle, and parking, take care to avoid possible contact between the hot exhaust system and any highly flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, resulting in serious personal injury and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust pipe, it can cause burns.< Using handbrake on inclines Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes by slipping or riding the clutch, use the handbrake instead. Otherwise, greater clutch wear will result.< Safe braking Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard equipment. In situations in which it is required, it is best to apply the brakes fully. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of steering effort. Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to the driver that ABS is in its active mode. When vehicle is parked Condensation forms in the air conditioner/automatic climate control system during operation, and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the vehicle are therefore normal. Before driving into a car wash Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page 33; otherwise, they could be damaged due to the width of the vehicle. Deactivate the rain sensor; otherwise, damage could result from undesired wiper activation, refer to page 42. Wet roads On wet roads or in heavy rain, briefly apply light pressure to the brake pedal every few miles. Watch traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat that is generated by the brake applications helps to dry the brake rotors and pads. The full braking force will then be available when you need it. 84 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 602 348 - © 02/09 BMW AG