Page 389 of 700

4-4 Driving safety
4
Defrosters Check these by selecting the defroster mode, and set the blower
switch on high. You should be able to feel the air blowing
against the windshield.
(Refer to “Defrosting or defogging the windshield and door
windows” on page 5-10, 5-20, 5-29, 5-39, 5-49.)Tires Check all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear pat-
terns. Look for stones, nails, glass, or other objects stuck in the
tread. Look for any tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check the
wheel nuts for tightness, and the tires (including spare tire) for
proper pressures. Replace your tires before they are heavily
worn out.
As your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement
should, therefore, be performed only by an authorized Mitsub-
ishi Motors dealer.Lights Have someone watch while you turn all the exterior lights on
and off. Also check the turn signal indicators and high-beam
indicators on the instrument panel. Fluid leaks Check the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for
fuel, water, oil, or other leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are
correct. Also, if you can smell fuel, you need to find out why
immediately and have it fixed.
Safe driving techniques
N00629200111
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:
Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and use your
turn signal light.
While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.
Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.
If you plan to drive in another country, obey their vehicle
registration laws and make sure you will be able to get the
right fuel.
BK0119300US.book 4 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分
Page 390 of 700

Driving safety
4-5
4 Driving during cold weather
N00629400344
Check the battery, including terminals and cables. During
extremely cold weather, the battery will not be as strong.
Also, the battery power level may drop because more
power is used for cold starting and driving.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are as bright as
normally. Charge or replace the battery if necessary. Dur-
ing extreme cold weather, it is possible that a very low
battery could freeze.
Warm the engine sufficiently. After starting the engine,
allow a short warm-up time to distribute oil to all cylin-
ders and turbocharger. Then drive your vehicle slowly.
Stay at low speeds at first so that the transaxle, transfer
case and rear axle oil have time to spread to all the lubri-
cation points.
Manual transaxle can be harder to shift in cold weather
conditions. This is normal and shifting will get easier as
the transaxle warms up.Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak or from
engine overheating, add Dia Queen Super Long Life
Coolant Premium or equivalent.
Please read this section in conjunction with the “Engine
coolant” on page 7-12.
[For RALLIART vehicles sold in U.S.A.]
Mitsubishi Motors recommends that the standard equip-
ment tires be replaced with winter tires when the vehicle
is going to be used in winter.
The standard equipment tires provided with this vehicle
are summer tires and use a high-grip compound that pro-
vides superior grip.
The road grip, however, is reduced in winter.
When replacing the standard equipment tires with winter
tires, all four tires must be replaced using radial identical-
size winter tires.
NOTEAs your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitor-
ing system, there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation
pressure sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire
replacement should, therefore, be performed only by an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
WA R N I N G
!The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could cause serious injury or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your battery, or let a skilled
mechanic do it.
WA R N I N G
!Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is
hot. You could be seriously burned.
BK0119300US.book 5 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分
Page 391 of 700

4-6 Driving safety
4
If you use new wheels with new tire inflation pressure
sensors, their ID codes must be programmed into the tire
pressure monitoring system. Refer to “Whenever the tires
and wheels are replaced with new ones” on page 3-163.
Braking
N00629500446
All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or
a repair facility of your choice at regular intervals according to
the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs or brake
drums and prevent normal braking after driving in heavy rain
or through large puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this
occurs, dry the brakes out by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the engine braking by shift-
ing to a lower gear while driving on steep downhill roads in
order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
BK0119300US.book 6 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分
Page 430 of 700
Comfort controls
5-31
5 Automatic air conditioning with Fahrenheit
scale
(if so equipped)
N00731500226
The air conditioning can only be used while the engine is run-
ning.Control panel
N00711800395
NOTEThere is an interior air temperature sensor (A) in the illus-
trated position.
Never place anything over the sensor, since doing so will
prevent it from functioning properly.
1- Temperature control dial
2- Air selection switch
3- Blower speed selection dial
4- Air conditioning switch
5- Mode selection dial
6- Electric rear window defogger switch → P. 3-240
BK0119300US.book 31 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分
Page 440 of 700
Comfort controls
5-41
5 Automatic air conditioning with Celsius
scale
(if so equipped)
N00731500239
The air conditioning can only be used while the engine is run-
ning.Control panel
N00711800409
NOTEThere is an interior air temperature sensor (A) in the illus-
trated position.
Never place anything over the sensor, since doing so will
prevent it from functioning properly.
1- Temperature control dial
2- Air selection switch
3- Blower speed selection dial
4- Air conditioning switch
5- Mode selection dial
6- Electric rear window defogger switch → P. 3-240
BK0119300US.book 41 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分
Page 600 of 700
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-23
7 Battery
N00939100783
The condition of the battery is very important for quick starting
and to keep the vehicle’s electrical system working properly.
Check the battery regularly. Removing and installing the battery upper cover
(vehicles with turbocharger)
N00901300012
To r e m o v e1. Remove the clips (A), and then remove the air duct (B).
WA R N I N G
!An SRS airbag sensor is located in the front of the
engine compartment near the battery.
When checking or replacing the battery, or when
working around this area, do not strike or damage
this sensor.
WA R N I N G
!Turn the ignition key to the “LOCK” position on
vehicle. Make sure that your clothes cannot be
caught by the fan or drive belt. Personal injury
could result.
BK0119300US.book 23 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分
Page 611 of 700

7-34 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Replacing tires and wheels
N00939600368
Tire maintenance
N00939700154
The following maintenance steps are recommended:
Check tire pressures regularly.
Have regular maintenance done on the wheel balance and
front and rear suspension alignment.
Rotate your tires regularly as described in the “Tire rota-
tion” section on page 7-35.
CAUTION
!Avoid using different size tires and wheels from the
ones listed, and avoid the combined use of different
types of tires and wheels. Using different size or type
tires and wheels may affect driving safety.
Refer to “Tires and wheels” on page 9-10.For All-wheel drive vehicles, always use tires of the
same size, same type, and same brand, and which
have no wear differences. Using tires that differ in
size, type, brand or the degree of wear, will increase
the differential oil temperature, resulting in possible
damage to the driving system. Further, the drive
train will be subjected to excessive loading, possibly
leading to oil leakage, component seizure, or other
serious problems.Even if a wheel has the same rim size and offset as
the specified type of wheel, its shape may prevent it
from being fitted correctly. Consult an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice before using wheels that you have.Only Mitsubishi Motors genuine wheels should be
used, because your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system.
Use of another type of wheel risks air leaks and sen-
sor damage, as it will not be possible to install the
tire pressure sensor properly.
BK0119300US.book 34 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-37
7
Snow tires
N00940000359
In some areas of the country, snow tires are required for winter
driving. If snow tires are required in your area, you must
choose snow tires of the same size and type as the original tires
provided with your vehicle. Snow tires should also be installed
on all four wheels. Otherwise your safety and vehicle handling
can be reduced.
Even where laws may permit it, snow tires should not be oper-
ated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).Tire chains
N00940100129
CAUTION
!Avoid the combined use of different types of tires.
Using different types of tires can affect vehicle per-
formance and safety.
Front
CAUTION
!If flange nuts are used on your vehicle, change to
tapered nuts when using snow tires with steel
wheels. Only Mitsubishi Motors genuine wheels should be
used, because your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system.
Use of another type of wheel risks air leaks and sen-
sor damage, as it will not be possible to install the
tire pressure sensor properly.
CAUTION
!Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle. The
clearance between the chains and the body is not
sufficient to allow proper clearance, and the vehicle
body might be damaged.
BK0119300US.book 37 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分