1998 Chevrolet Blazer Owner's Manual - Page 196

Driving Guidelines This multipurpose passenger vehicle is defined a as utility vehicle in Consumer InformationRegulations issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)of the United States Department of Transportation. Utility vehicles have higher groundclearance and a narrower track to make them capable of performing ina wide variety of off-road applications. Specific designcharacteristics give them a higher center of gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road allowing you anticipate problems. to They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel-drive vehiclesany more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turnsor abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss ofcontrol or vehicle rollover. Off-Road Driving with Your GM Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle This off-road guide is vehicles that have for four-wheel drive. Also, see "Anti-Lock Brakes''in the Index. If your vehicle doesn't have four-wheel drive, you shouldn't drive off-road unlessyou're on a level, solid surface. Off-road driving can be greatfun. But it does have some definite hazards. The greatest of these is the terrain itself. "Off-roading" means you've leftthe 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, uphillor downhill. In short, you've gone right 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 andsuggestions. These will help make your off-road drivingsafer and more enjoyable. 4-14