
4-5
DRIVING TIPS
53MH0-74E
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud, or
sand, follow the directions below:
1) Shift the transaxle back and forth
between a forward range (or first gear
for manual transaxle) and reverse. This
will create a rocking motion which may
give you enough momentum to free the
vehicle. Press gently on the accelerator
to keep wheel spinning to a minimum
wheel rpm. Remove your foot from the
accelerator while shifting. Do not race
the engine. Excessive wheel spin will
cause the tires to dig deeper, making it
more difficult to free the vehicle.
2) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few
minutes of rocking, we recommend you
to consult your authorised Maruti
Suzuki workshop or a roadside assis-
tance service. If a towing service is not
available in an emergency, your vehicle
may be temporarily towed by a towing
cable or chain secured to the towing
hook either on the front of the vehicle or
on the rear of the vehicle. Refer to
“Frame Hooks” in the “OTHER CON-
TROLS AND EQUIPMENT” section.
Driving On Wet Roads
WA R N I N G
Do not allow anyone to stand near
the vehicle when you are rocking it,
and do not spin the wheels faster
than an indicated 40 km/h on the
speedometer. Personal injury and/ or
vehicle damage may result from spin-
ning the wheels too fast.
NOTICE
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating or transaxle damage.
CAUTION
• When driving on wet roads, avoid
driving through large amount of
standing water on the road. Large
amount of water entering the
engine compartment may cause
damage to the engine and or elec-
trical components.
• If stuck in deep water, do not start
till water level drops.
• Water is incompressible substance,
water inside engine is harmful to
the engine.
WA R N I N G
• In addition to following the driving
tips in this section, it is important
to observe the following precau-
tions.
• Make sure your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE”
• Do not use tires other than those
specified by MARUTI SUZUKI.
Never use different sizes or types
of tires on the front and rear
wheels. For information regarding
the specified tires, refer to the Tire
Information Label located on the
driver’s door lock pillar.
• Never use oversized tires or spe-
cial shock absorbers and springs
to raise (jack up) your vehicle. This
will change the handling character-
istics. Oversized tires may also rub
against the vehicle body over
bumps, causing vehicle damage or
tire failure.
•After driving through water, test the
brakes while driving at a slow
speed to see if they have main-
tained their normal effectiveness. If
the brakes are less effective than
normal, dry them by repeatedly
applying the brakes while driving
slowly until the brakes have
regained their normal effective-
ness
.

6-2
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
53MH0-74E
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle may be towed behind another
vehicle (such as a motorhome), provided
your vehicle is 2 wheel drive (2WD) and
you use the proper towing method speci-
fied for your vehicle. The towing method
you must use depends on the specifica-
tions of your vehicle: whether it is a manual
transaxle vehicle or an automated manual
transaxle vehicle.
Use the towing instruction table to select
the proper towing method for your vehicle,
and carefully follow the corresponding
instructions. Be sure to use proper towing
equipment designed for recreational tow-
ing and make sure that towing speed does
not exceed 90 km/h (55 mph).
TOWING INSTRUCTION TABLE
53M-08-001
A: 2WD VEHICLES WITH MANUAL
TRANSAXLE OR AUTOMATED MAN-
UAL TRANSAXLE
1) Secure the front wheels on a towing
dolly according to the instructions pro-
vided by the dolly manufacturer.
2) Release the parking brake.
53M-08-002
WA R N I N G
When you tow your vehicle, follow
the instructions below to avoid acci-
dents and damage to your vehicle. In
addition, be sure to observe govern-
ment and local requirements regard-
ing vehicle lighting and trailer hitches
or tow bars.
WA R N I N G
A safety chain should always be used
when you tow your vehicle.
DRIVE
TRAINT R A N S
MISSIONTOWING
METHOD
2WD M/T A,B
2WD Automated
Manual
Transaxle A,B
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE

6-3
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
53MH0-74E
B: 2WD VEHICLES WITH MANUAL
TRANSAXLE OR AUTO GEAR SHIFT
1) Shift the gearshift lever into neutral.
2) Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” posi-
tion to unlock the steering wheel.
3) Release the parking brake.
NOTICE
After shifting the auto gear shift gear-
shift lever to the “N” position, always
check the gear position indicator in
the instrument cluster shows the “N”
position to make sure that the
transaxle is disengaged.
If the transaxle cannot be put in neutral,
turn the key from the “OFF” to the
“ON” position, and move the auto gear
shift lever from “N” to “D”, “M” or “R”,
then back to “N” again. Then turn the
key from the “ON” to the “OFF” posi-
tion.
These procedures may help put the
transaxle in neutral. If the transaxle
still cannot be put in neutral, you can-
not tow the vehicle without using a
towing dolly.
NOTICE
The steering column is not strong
enough to withstand shocks trans-
mitted from the front wheels during
towing. Always unlock the steering
wheel before towing.

7-4
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
*Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.km (x 1,000)
monthsFREE INSPECTIONS PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT COST
1 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
1 6 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
BRAKE
1. Brake fluid (Level, Leakage) I I I R I R I R I R
2.Brake pedal (Pedal-to-wall clearance) IIIIIIIIII
3.Parking brake lever and cable (Play, Damage) IIIIIIIIII
4.a. Brake discs and pads (Wear) – I IIIIIIII
b. Brake drums & shoes (Wear) – – IIIIIIII
5.Master cylinder, wheel cylinder, caliper piston (Fluid leakage, Boot/Seal
Damage)IIIIIIIIII
6.Brake hoses and pipes (Fluid leakage, Damage)
IIIIIIIIII
WHEEL
1. Tyres (Air pressure, Abnormal wear, Crack, Rotation) I
I&OI&O I&OI&OI&OI&OI&OI&O I&O
2. Wheels (Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
3. Front/Rear wheel bearings (Loose, Damage) –
I I I I I I I I I
FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION
1. Suspension strut (Oil leakage, Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
2. Suspension arms/knuckle support (Loose, Damage) –
IIIIII I I I
3. Rear spring (Damage) –
I I I I I I I I I
4. Shock absorbers (Oil leakage, Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
5. All bolts and nuts (Loose)–
T T T T T T T T T
6. Suspension arms and Tension rods –
I I I I I I I I I
STEERING
1. Steering wheel (Play, Loose) I
I I I I I I I I I
2. All rods and arms (Loose, Damage, Wear) I
I I I I I I I I I
ELECTRICAL
1. Battery electrolyte (Level, leakage) I
I I I I I I I I I
2. Wiring harness connection (Loose, Damage) –
I I I I I I I I I
3. Lighting system (Operation, Stains, Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
4. Horn (Operation) I
I I I I I I I I I
5. System voltage I
I I I I I I I I I
BODY
1. All chassis bolts and nuts (Tighten)
–II T
T T T T T T
2. All latches, hinges and locks (Function)
II&LI&L I&L
I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L

7-8
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
*Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.km (x 1,000)
monthsFREE INSPECTIONS PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT COST
1 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
1 6 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
3. Parking brake level and cable (Play, Damage)IIIIIIIIII
4.a. Brake discs and pads (Wear) – I I IIIIIII
b. Brake drums & shoes (Wear) ––IIIIIIII
5.Master cylinder, wheel cylinder, caliper piston (Fluid leakage, Boot/Seal
Damage)IIIIIIIIII
6.Brake hoses and pipes (Fluid leakage, Damage)
IIIIIIIIII
WHEEL
1. Tyres (Air pressure, Abnormal wear, Crack and Rotation) I
I&OI&O I&OI&OI&OI&OI&OI&O I&O
2. Wheels (Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
3. Front/Rear wheel bearing (Loose, Damage) –
I I I I I I I I I
FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION
1. Suspension strut (Oil leakage, Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
2. Suspension arms/knuckle support (Loose, Damage) –
IIIIII I I I
3. Rear spring (Damage) –
I I I I I I I I I
4. Shock absorbers (Oil leakage, Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
5. All bolts and nuts (Loose)–
T T T T T T T T T
6. Suspension arms and Tension rods –
I I I I I I I I I
STEERING
1. Steering wheel (Play, Loose) I
I I I I I I I I I
2. All rods and arms (Loose, Damage, Wear) I
I I I I I I I I I
ELECTRICAL
1. Battery electrolyte (Level, Leakage) I
I I I I I I I I I
2. Wiring harness connection (Loose, Damage) –
I I I I I I I I I
3. Lighting system (Operation, Stains, Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
4. Horn (Operation) I
I I I I I I I I I
5. System voltage I
I I I I I I I I I
BODY
1. All chassis bolts and nuts (Tighten)
–ITT
T T T T T T
2. All latches, hinges and locks (Function)
II&LI&L I&L
I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L
ROAD TEST
1. Operation of Brakes, Gear shifting and speedometer
II I I
I I I I I I
2.Body and Chassis noise
II I I
I I I I I I

7-19
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
53M-09-029
Pedal to floor carpet minimum dis-
tance “a”:
ALTO 800: 72 mm (2.8 in.)
ALTO K10: 79 mm (3.1 in.)
With the engine running, measure the dis-
tance between the brake pedal and floor
carpet when the pedal is depressed with
approximately 30 kg (66 lbs) of force. The
minimum distance required is as specified.
Since your vehicle’s brake system is self-
adjusting, there is no need for pedal
adjustment.
If the pedal to floor carpet distance as
measured above is less than the minimum
distance required, have your vehicle
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
NOTE:When measuring the distance between the
brake pedal and floor wall, be sure not to
include any accessory floor mat or rubber
mat on the floor carpet in your measure-
ment.
60G104S
Parking Brake
54G109
Ratchet tooth specification “b”:
4th – 9th
Lever pull force (1):
200 N (20 kg, 44 lbs)
Check the parking brake for proper adjust-
ment by counting the number of clicks
made by the ratchet teeth as you slowly
pull up on the parking brake lever to the
point of full engagement. The parking
brake lever should stop between the speci-
fied ratchet teeth and the rear wheels
should be securely locked. If the parking
brake is not properly adjusted or the
brakes drag after the lever has been fully
released, have the parking brake inspected
and/or adjusted by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
If you experience any of the following
problems with your vehicle’s brake
system, have the vehicle inspected
immediately by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
• Poor braking performance
• Uneven braking (brakes not work-
ing uniformly on all wheels).
• Excessive pedal travel
• Brake dragging
• Excessive noise
• Pedal pulsation (pedal pulsates
when depressed).
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE

7-20
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
Steering
53M-09-032
Steering wheel play “c”:
0 – 30 mm (0.0 – 1.2 in.)
Check the play of the steering wheel by
gently turning it from left to right and mea-
suring the distance that it moves before
you feel slight resistance. The play should
be between the specified values.
Check that the steering wheel turns easily
and smoothly without rattling by turning it
all the way to the right and to the left while
driving very slowly in an open area. If the
amount of free play is outside the specifi-
cation or you find anything else to be
wrong, an inspection must be performed
by your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
Tires
53M-09-033
The front and rear tire pressure specifica-
tions for your vehicle are listed on the Tire
Information Label. Both the front and rear
tires should have the specified tire pres-
sure.
Tire Inspection
Inspect your vehicle’s tires at least once a
month by performing the following checks:
1) Measure the air pressure with a tire
gauge. Adjust the pressure if neces-
sary. Remember to check the spare
tire, too.
53M-09-034
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
• Air pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold or you may
get inaccurate readings.
• Check the inflation pressure from
time to time while inflating the tire
gradually, until the specified pres-
sure is obtained.
• Never underinflate or overinflate
the tires.
Underinflation can cause unusual
handling characteristics or can
cause the rim to slip on the tire
bead, resulting in an accident or
damage to the tire or rim.
Overinflation can cause the tire to
burst, resulting in personal injury.
Overinflation can also cause
unusual handling characteristics
which may result in an accident.
EXAMPLE

7-21
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
(1) Tread wear indicator
(2) Indicator location mark
2) Check that the depth of the tread
groove is more than 1.6 mm (0.06 in.).
To help you check this, the tires have
molded-in tread wear indicators in the
grooves. When the indicators appear
on the tread surface, the remaining
depth of the tread is 1.6 mm (0.06 in.)
or less and the tire should be replaced.
3) Check for abnormal wear, cracks and
damage. Any tires with cracks or other
damage should be replaced. If any tires
show abnormal wear, have them
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
4) Check for loose wheel nuts.
5) Check that there are no nails, stones or
other objects sticking into the tires.Tire Rotation
53M-09-035
To avoid uneven wear of your tires and to
prolong their life, rotate the tires as illus-
trated. Tires should be rotated as men-
tioned in periodic maintenance schedule.
After rotation, adjust front and rear tire
pressures to the specification listed on
your vehicle’s Tire Information Label.
Wheel Balancing
If the vehicle vibrates abnormally on
smooth road, have the wheel balanced at
Maruti Suzuki Authorized Workshop.
Wheel Alignment
In case of abnormal tire wear or pulling
towards one side, have the wheel aligned
at Maruti Suzuki Authorized Workshop
.
CAUTION
Hitting curbs and running over rocks
can damage tires and affect wheel
alignment. Be sure to have tires and
wheel alignment checked periodi-
cally by your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer.
WA R N I N G
• Your MARUTI SUZUKI is equipped
with tires which are all the same
type and size. This is important to
ensure proper steering and han-
dling of the vehicle. Never mix tires
of different size or type on the four
wheels of your vehicle. The size
and type of tires used should be
only those approved by MARUTI
SUZUKI as standard or optional
equipment for your vehicle.
• Replacing the wheels and tires
equipped on your vehicle with cer-
tain combinations of aftermarket
wheels and tires can significantly
change the steering and handling
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Therefore, use only those wheel
and tire combinations approved by
MARUTI SUZUKI as standard or
optional equipment for your vehi-
cle.
NOTICE
Replacing the original tires with tires
of a different size may result in false
speedometer or odometer readings.
Check with your SUZUKI dealer
before purchasing replacement tires
that differ in size from the original
tires.