2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner's Manual - Page 149

DRIVING TIPS Off-Road Driving Your vehicle has specific design characteristics for off-road driving. When you leave the pavement, you will encounter driving surfaces of all kinds which may change continually as you drive. In most cases, offroad driving requires the use of 4-wheel drive. If your vehicle is a 2-wheel drive vehicle, you should limit your off-road driving only to hard, flat, nonslippery surfaces. 2-wheel drive vehicles have far less traction on off-road surfaces than 4-wheel drive vehicles. It is important when driving off-road to follow the guidelines below. Use Caution on Steep Inclines Always inspect hills before you attempt to drive up them. Know what is on the other side and how you will get back down. If you have any doubt that it is safe, do not attempt to drive over a hill. Never drive your vehicle up an extremely steep incline. Coming down a steep hill can be trickier than getting up one. Keep the vehicle heading straight down the hill and use low gear. Do not lock the brakes. If the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate slightly to regain steering control. Do Not Turn on or Drive Across the Side of Hills Turning on or driving across the side of a hill can be extremely hazardous. Most of the vehicle's weight will be transferred to the downhill tires, which could result in the vehicle rolling sideways. Whenever possible, avoid this potential hazard. Also, if you have to exit your vehicle on a side-hill, always get out on the uphill side. Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times You and your passengers should use the seat belts at all times when driving offroad. For proper seat belt use, refer to the "Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems" section in this manual. Avoid Sudden Reactions in Mud, Ice or Snow Be careful when off-road conditions are slick. Reduce your speed and avoid sudden movements of the vehicle. If your vehicle is a 2-wheel drive vehicle, do not drive in deep snow or mud. If your vehicle is a 4wheel drive vehicle, be aware that driving in deep snow or mud can cause a loss of traction and an increase in the resistance to the vehicle's forward motion. Use 4WD low gear (4L) and maintain a steady but moderate speed with a light touch on the steering wheel and brakes. Do not drive in the field covered with grown grass If you drive in the field covered with grass, it may cause unexpected accident or vehicle damage by getting caught in grown grass. If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud or sand, follow the directions below: 1) (For vehicles equipped with transfer switch) Turn the transfer switch to "4H LOCK" or "4L LOCK". 2) Shift the transmission back and forth between a forward range (or first gear for manual transmission) and reverse. This will create a rocking motion which may give you enough momentum to free the vehicle. Press gently on the accelerator to keep wheel spin to a minimum. Remove your foot from the accelerator while shifting. Do not race the engine. Excessive wheel spin will cause the tires to dig deeper, making it more difficult to free the vehicle. 3) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few minutes of rocking, get another vehicle to pull you out. 4-6 79K21-03E