2013 HONDA RIDGELINE ground clearance

In addition to these characteristics, your vehicle’s pickup bed area allows you to carry more cargo and has the dual-
action tailgate to handle the items easily.
These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher of f the ground, it has a high
center of gravity. This means your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a
signif icantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is signif icantly
more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear
seat belts.
Overloading or improperly loading cargo could af f ect your handling and the vehicle’s stability, and could result in a
crash. Make sure the cargo is properly loaded and all items are secured in the pickup bed area.
For inf ormation on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read ‘‘Driving Guidelines’’ on page of this manual and thesection on page . Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in loss of
control, a crash, or rollover. Your vehicle has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed f or use only on pavement. Higher ground
clearance has many advantages f or of f -highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier. Your vehicle also has a relatively short
wheelbase, allowing it to respond quicker to the steering wheel than other vehicles with a longer wheelbase.
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304
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Important Handling Inf ormation
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Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with
non-Honda components could
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
Some examples are:Lowering the vehicle with a non-
Honda suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit can
af f ect the handling, stability, and
reliability.
Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer f or assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components and will not be compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer. Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
saf ety systems could make the
systems inef f ective. Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
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Bef ore Driving

Your vehicle has higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.With heavy cargo on the pickup
bed, your vehicle has a higher
center of gravity. Drive slowly
and cautiously, and allow more
time and distance for braking.
Loading heavy cargo could
affect your vehicle’s handling
and performance.
To prevent rollovers or loss
of control:
Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a
passenger vehicle.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible.
Make sure the cargo is properly
loaded and all items are secured so
they will not shif t while driving.
Do not modify your vehicle
in any way that would raise the
center of gravity.
Do not carry heavy cargo on
the roof.
Your vehicle allows you to carry
more cargo than a typical
passenger vehicle.
Because your vehicle rides higher
off the ground, it has a high center
of gravity that can cause it to roll
over if you make abrupt turns.
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher roll over rate than other
types of vehicles.
See page f or of f -highway driving
guidelines. 304
Driving Guidelines
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Driving

Your vehicle has been designed
primarily f or use on pavement. But
its higher ground clearance and f our-
wheel drive VTM-4
system allow
you to occasionally travel on unpaved
roads and surf aces. Your vehicle is
not designed f or trailblazing,
mountain climbing, or other
challenging off-road activities. If you decide to drive on unpaved
roads, you will find that it requires
somewhat different driving skills.
Your vehicle will also handle
somewhat differently than it
does on pavement. Be sure to pay
extra attention to the precautions
and tips in this section, and get
acquainted with your vehicle before
leaving the pavement.
General Inf ormation
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304
Improperly operating this
vehicle on or off-pavement can
cause a crash or rollover in
which you and your passengers
could be seriously injured or
killed.
Keep your speed low, and
don’t drive faster than
conditions permit. Follow all instructions and
guidelines in this owner’s
manual.
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Driving

Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
f or any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to
recognize limits and take the
proper precautions.
To avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to f ollow all precautions and
recommendations.
Be sure to store cargo properly
and do not exceed your cargo load
limits (see page and ).
Be aware that a heavy load can
reduce ground clearance and your
ability to clear obstacles.
Whenever you drive, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear seat belts.
Keep your speed low, and never
go faster than the conditions allow.
It’s up to you to continually
assess the situation and drive
within the limits. 258 291
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember
Important Saf ety Precautions
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Driving