2003 Cadillac Escalade Owner's Manual - Page 260

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 vehiclestep over someoff-road obstacles. But your vehicle doesn't have features like special underbody shielding and a transfer case low gear range, things that are usually thoughtnecessary 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. 4-17