2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Owner Manual - Page 345

STARTING AND OPERATING 343 DRIVING OFF-ROAD Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep hills or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill, choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible. Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and cautiously. NOTE: After off-road usage, particularly in sand or mud, inspect the underside of the vehicle for accumulated dirt at the propeller shaft, axles, U-joints, brake rotors and calipers. Use a hose to clean off any accumulation of dirt or mud. Check the exhaust system and all exposed components for any sign of damage. If you must back down a hill, back straight down using REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL or diago- If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud, nally across the hill. slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for impacted material. Impacted foreign material can cause a When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain, wheel imbalance. Removing the foreign material from shift to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator the wheels will correct the situation. slowly to avoid spinning the wheels. Do not reduce the tire pressures for this type of driving. POWER STEERING The standard power steering system will give you good vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering capability if power assist is lost. 5