2013 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual - Page 201

Driving and Operating Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving For more information about loading the vehicle, see Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑14. 9-7 { WARNING Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. Driving up hills can cause the vehicle to stall. Driving down hills can cause loss of control. Driving across hills can cause a rollover. You could be injured or killed. Do not drive on steep hills. Before driving on a hill, assess the steepness, traction, and obstructions. If the terrain ahead cannot be seen, get out of the vehicle and walk the hill before driving further. When driving on hills: . { WARNING . Environmental Concerns . Unsecured cargo on the load floor can be tossed about when driving over rough terrain. You or your passengers can be struck by flying objects. Secure the cargo properly. Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. The heaviest things should be on the floor, forward of the rear axle. Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle's center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously or fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof. Always use established trails, roads, and areas that have been set aside for public off-road recreational driving and obey all posted regulations. Do not damage shrubs, flowers, trees, or grasses or disturb wildlife. Do not park over things that burn. See Parking over Things That Burn on page 9‑25. . . . . Driving on Hills Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what the vehicle can and cannot do. Use a low gear and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Maintain a slow speed. When possible, drive straight up or down the hill. Slow down when approaching the top of the hill. . . .