2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual - Page 229

Driving and Operating While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You might not realize the surface is slippery until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues - such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface - and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid. 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 9-7 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. 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.