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Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Electric Power Steering
This vehicle has On-Demand Electric-Assist Power
Steering instead of conventional full-time hydraulic
power steering. It uses electricity supplied by the same
battery which is re-charged by the regenerative
braking system.
Because the system is On-Demand Electric-Assist,
energy is used only when the steering wheel is turned,
or when the steering gear is used to help isolate the
forces of rough roads. This system does not use power
steering fluid, making it maintenance-free.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle needs to be towed.
Towing a Trailer
For more information, see “Towing a Trailer” in the
owner manual Index.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how
much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. It can depend on any special equipment on
the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry.
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Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without
the proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension, or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and you or others may be injured in a
crash. Use another type of traction device only if
its manufacturer recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to the vehicle, drive slowly,
re-adjust or remove the device if it is contacting
the vehicle, and do not spin the wheels. If you do
find traction devices that will fit, install them on the
rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
Your vehicle has a tire inflator kit. There is no spare tire,
no tire changing equipment, and no place to store a tire.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air
goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But, if you should ever have a blow out, here are
a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
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A rear blow out, particularly on a curve, acts much like
a skid and may require the same correction you
would use in a skid. In any rear blow out, remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering the way you want the vehicle
to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can
still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road
if possible.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place and stopping.
Then do this:
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
2. Park your vehicle. Set the parking brake firmly
and put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the flat tire.If the tire has been separated from the wheel or has
damaged sidewalls or large tears that allow rapid
air loss, call a tire repair facility. See “Roadside
Assistance Program” in the Index of the owner manual.
If the flat tire is due to a slow leak caused by a nail
or other similar road hazard, the tire inflator kit may be
used to repair the damaged tire temporarily. The kit
uses a liquid tire sealant to seal small punctures in the
tread area of the tire.
After repairing a tire with the tire inflator kit, take your
vehicle to an authorized retailer to have the tire
inspected and repaired as soon as possible. The tire
sealant is a temporary repair only. SeeTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit (Without Selector Switch) on page 5-32
orTire Sealant and Compressor Kit (With Selector
Switch) on page 5-42.
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