2006 Lincoln Navigator Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing (Spanish) - Page 34

Driving Off-Road Driving in mud Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you are driving in mud. Even 4WD and AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the rear end of the vehicle does slide while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle. After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating tires, wheels and driveshafts. Excess mud stuck on tires, wheels and rotating driveshafts causes an imbalance that could damage vehicle components. Driving through water Before driving through water, determine the depth. Avoid water higher than the center of the wheel or hubcap. Proceed slowly to avoid splashing; if the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall. Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. You can dry the brakes faster by driving the vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Driving in deep snow 4WD and AWD vehicles are unique in that they can be driven in deep snow that would stop a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle. Shift to a low gear and maintain steady pressure on the accelerator. This will help prevent spinning the wheels while maintaining sufficient momentum to keep from bogging down. Using tire chains will also help. Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD or AWD vehicles without also putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear of the vehicle to slide and swing around. Driving on hills Operating your vehicle off-road on slopes or hills requires safe off-road driving practices. Read and follow these safe off-road driving practices to reduce the risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, serious injury or death. 10