VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
4WD and AWD Systems
A vehicle equipped with AWD or 4WD has the ability to use all four
wheels to power itself. This increases traction which may enable you to
safely drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional
two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. You should become thoroughly familiar with this
information before you operate your vehicle.
Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD and AWD
vehicles. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may accelerate better
than two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction situations, it won’t stop
any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
SUV and trucks can differ from
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be:
•Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
•Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer
wheelbase.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
151
