2009 Saturn VUE Owner's Manual - Page 217

Driving Your Vehicle 4-13 Off-Road Driving Vehicles with all-wheel drive can be used for off-road driving. Vehicles without all-wheel drive should not be driven off-road except on a level, solid surface. Many of the vehicle design features that help make the vehicle more responsive on paved roads during poor weather conditions also help make it better suited for off-road use than conventional passenger vehicles. The vehicle does not have features usually thought to be necessary for extended or severe off-road use such as special underbody shielding and transfer case low gear range. The airbag system is designed to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. Always wear your safety belt and observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain. Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on any road and this is certainly true for off-road driving. At the very time you need special alertness and driving skills, your reflexes, perceptions, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You could have a serious - or even fatal - accident if you drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Off-roading can be great fun but has some definite hazards. The greatest of these is the terrain itself. When off-road driving, traffic lanes are not marked, curves are not banked, and there are no road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill, or downhill. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers. Failure to operate the vehicle correctly off-road could result in loss of vehicle control or vehicle rollover. Off-roading involves some new skills. That is why it is very important that you read these driving tips and suggestions to help make off-road driving safer and more enjoyable. Before You Go Off-Roading • Have all necessary maintenance and service work done. • Make sure there is enough fuel, that fluid levels are where they should be, and that the spare tire is fully inflated. • Be sure to read all the information about all-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual. • Make sure all underbody shields, if the vehicle has them, are properly attached. • Know the local laws that apply to off-roading where you will be driving or check with law enforcement people in the area. • Be sure to get the necessary permission if you will be on private land.