2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER Owners Manual

4-2 Driving safety
4Driving precaution
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Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a narrower
track, which enables them to perform in a wide variety of off-
road situations. Because of the higher ground clearance, these
vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which makes them
handle differently than ordinary vehicles when driving on
pavement. They are not designed to maneuver or corner at the
same speed on pavement as conventional 2-wheel drive pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions.
Always drive safely and steer the vehicle carefully. Avoid oper-
ating the vehicle in a manner that might require sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure
to operate this vehicle correctly can result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Before starting
the vehicle, always make certain that you and all your passen-
gers are properly wearing their seat belts (with children in the
rear seat, in appropriate restraints).
Fuel economy
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Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your personal
driving habits can have a significant effect on your fuel use.
Several recommendations for achieving the greatest fuel econ-
omy are listed below.

Whenever accelerating from a stop, always accelerate
slowly and smoothly.

When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.

Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.

When you drive on highways or dry improved roads, set
the drive mode-selector “2WD”, “4WD AUTO” or “TAR-
MAC” position (if so equipped).

For freeway driving, maintain a speed of approximately
50 mph (80 km/h) when traffic, roadway and weather con-
ditions safely permit.

Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this manual.

Always keep your vehicle well maintained. A poorly
maintained engine wastes fuel and costs money.

Never overload your vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. Avoid abrupt
maneuvers and excessive speed. Always buckle up.
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Driving safety
4-3
4 Driving, alcohol and drugs
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Drunk driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you have been
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab or a friend, or use public transportation.
Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will not make you
sober.
Similarly, prescription and nonprescription drugs affect your
alertness, perception and reaction time. Consult with your doc-
tor or pharmacist before driving while under the influence of
any of these medications.
Floor mat
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The original equipment floor mat provided with your vehicle
was specifically designed for your vehicle.
Always properly position the floor mat and assure it does not
interfere with operation of the pedals. Always use the retaining
clip on the driver’s floorboard to secure the floor mat. When
used, this clip will help prevent the floor mat from moving for-
ward and possibly interfering with the operation of the pedals.
To prevent the floor mat from moving forward and possibly
interfering with the operation of the pedals, Mitsubishi genuine
floor mats are recommended.To install the floor mat
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1. Place the floor mat to fit the shape of the floorboard.
2. Align the floor mat with the installation holes over the
retaining clips.
WA R N I N G
!
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your perceptions are less accurate, your reflexes are
slower and your judgment is impaired.
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4-4 Driving safety
4
3. Secure the floor mat with retaining clips.NOTE
The shape of the mat and the number of retaining clips
may vary depending on the vehicle model.
WA R N I N G
!
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is not properly
installed, it can interfere with the operation of the
pedals. Interference with the pedals can cause unin-
tended acceleration and/or increased stopping dis-
tances resulting in a crash and injury. Always make
sure the floor mat does not interfere with the accel-
erator or brake pedal.
Always use the retaining clip on the driver’s floor-
board to secure the floor mat.

Always install the mat with the correct side facing
down.
Never install a second mat over or under an existing
floor mat.
Do not use a floor mat designed for another model
vehicle even if it is a Mitsubishi genuine floor mat.
WA R N I N G
!
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Driving safety
4-5
4 Vehicle preparation before driving
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For a safer and more enjoyable trip, always check for the fol-
lowing:Seat belts and seats
Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and all
passengers are seated and wearing their seat belts properly
(with children in the rear seat, in appropriate restraints),
and that all the doors and flap-fold tailgate are locked.

Move the driver’s seat as far backward as possible, while
still keeping good visibility, and good control of the steer-
ing wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Check the
instrument panel indicators and multi-information display
for any possible problem.

In the same way, the front passenger seat should also be
moved as far back as possible.

Make sure that infants and small children are properly
restrained in accordance with all laws and regulations.
DefrostersCheck 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 (windshield, door win-
dows)” on page 5-14, 5-23, 5-33, 5-43.TiresCheck 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 pressure. 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.LightsHave 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 leaksCheck 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.
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4-6 Driving safety
4Safe driving techniques
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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.
Driving during cold weather
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Check the battery. At the same time, check the terminals
and wiring. 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. 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 lubrication
points.
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.
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Driving safety
4-7
4

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.
Braking
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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 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
downshifting while driving on steep downhill roads in order to
prevent the brakes from overheating.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is
hot. You could be seriously burned.
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4-8 Driving safety
4Parking
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Parking on a hillWhen parking on a hill, set the parking brake, and turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill, or away from the
curb on an uphill.
If necessary, apply chocks to wheels.
Be sure that the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
that the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) position.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake
before moving the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position.
This prevents loading the parking brake against the transaxle.
When this happens, it is difficult to move the selector lever out
of the “P” (PARK) position.Parking with the engine runningNever leave the engine running while you take a short sleep or
rest. Also, never leave the engine running in a closed or poorly
ventilated place.
Where you parkYour front bumper can be damaged if you scrape it over curbs
or parking stop blocks. Be careful when traveling up or down
steep slopes where your bumper can scrape the road.When leaving the vehicleAlways remove the key from the ignition switch and lock all
doors and the flap-fold tailgate when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
Always try to park your vehicle in a well lit area.
WA R N I N G
!
Leaving the engine running risks injury or death
from accidentally moving the selector lever or the
accumulation of toxic exhaust fumes in the passen-
ger compartment.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not park your vehicle in areas where combustible
materials such as dry grass or leaves can come in
contact with a hot exhaust, since a fire could occur.
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Driving safety
4-9
4 Loading information
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It is very important to know how much weight your vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all occupants, cargo (including the roof
load), non-factory-installed options, and the tongue weight of
the trailer, if any, being towed. The tire and loading informa-
tion placard located on the driver’s door sill of your vehicle
will show how much weight it may properly carry.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms
before loading your vehicle:

Vehicle maximum load on the tire: load on an individual
tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share
of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by
two.

Vehicle normal load on the tire: load on an individual tire
that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of
the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant
weight and dividing by two.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight: the sum of -
(a) Curb weight;
(b) Accessory weight;
(c) Vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) Production options weight.
Curb weight: the weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant.

Accessory weight: the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory- installed equipment
(whether installed or not).

Vehicle capacity weight: the rated cargo and luggage load
plus 150 lbs (68 kg) * times the vehicle’s designated seat-
ing capacity.

Production options weight: the combined weight of those
installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs
(2.3 kg) in excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride level-
ers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Normal occupant weight: 150 lbs (68 kg) * times the num-
ber of specified occupants (3 in the case of your vehicle)

Occupant distribution: Occupant distribution within the
passenger compartment (In your vehicle the distribution is
2 in front, 1 in second row seat)
WA R N I N G
!
Never overload your vehicle. Overloading can dam-
age your vehicle, adversely affect vehicle perfor-
mance, including handling and braking, cause tire
failure, and result in an accident.
*: 150 lbs (68 kg) is the weight of one person as defined by
U.S.A. and Canadian regulations.
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