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DRIVING
DRIVING
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
• Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exteri\
or lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
• Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
• Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite fl ammable materials left under the hood, causing a fi re. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried gra\
ss
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by\
a small
animal. Also check under the hood for leftover fl ammable materials after you or
someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
Interior Checks • Store or secure all items on board properly.
• Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
• Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure t\
he fl oor mats.
• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely around in \
the vehicle.
• Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
• Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
• Make sure items placed on the fl oor behind the front seats cannot roll under the seats.
• Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
• Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you s\
tart the vehicle, and go off soon after.
DRIVING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to me\
lt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim a\
round the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE Improper accessories or modifi cations can affect your vehicle’s handling, and
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt \
or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories and
modifi cations.
WARNING
In addition:
• During the fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
• Avoid hard braking for the fi rst 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement; however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It \
is not
designed for trail-blazing or other challenging off-road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will fi nd that it requires somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat diff\
erently than
it does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this s\
ection, and
get acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a crash o\
r
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously hurt or kille\
d.
Follow all instructions and guidelines in this guide.
Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING
