When the ABS senses that one or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies and
releases hydraulic pressure. This action is similar to
pumping the brakes very quickly. You may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear anoise from
under the bonnet or feel avibration from the actua-
tor when it is operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.
When the differential lock (where fitted) is engaged,
the ABS warning light illuminates. This indicates that
the anti-lock function is not fully operating. (See
“Rear differential locking system (where fitted)” ear-
lier in this section for the rear differential lock func-
tion.) WARNING
• Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and decelerate with great care. If
accelerating or decelerating too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
• Allow more stopping distance in cold weather
driving. Braking should be started sooner than
on dry pavement.
• Keep at
agreater distance from the vehicle in
front of you on slippery roads.
• Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain), very cold
snow and ice can be slick and very difficult to
drive on. The vehicle will have
alot less trac-
tion or grip under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
• Watch for slippery spots (glaring ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If
apatch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any sudden
steering manoeuvres.
• Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
• Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas under
your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehicle. BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze
and damage the battery. To maintain maximum effi-
ciency, the battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze,
drain the cooling system, including the engine block.
Refill before operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
TYRE EQUIPMENT
1. If you have snow tyres installed on the front/rear
wheels of your vehicle, they should be of the
same size, loading range, construction and type
(bias, bias-belted or radial) as the rear/front tyres.
2. If the vehicle is to be operated in severe winter conditions, snow tyres should be installed on all
four wheels.
3. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tyres may be used. However, some countries, prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before installing stud-
ded tyres.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tyres, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tyres.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-51
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tyres
may be used. However, some states and provinces
prohibit their use. Check local, state and provincial
laws before installing studded tyres. Skid and trac-
tion capabilities of studded snow tyres on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded
snow tyres.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) model
CAUTION
• Always use tyres of the same type, size, brand,
construction (bias, bias-belted or radial), and
tread pattern on all four wheels. Failure to do
so may result in
acircumference difference
between tyres on the front and rear axles
which will cause excessive tyre wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.
• ONLY use spare tyres specified for the 4WD
model.
If excessive tyre wear is found, it is recommended
that all four tyres be replaced with tyres of the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern. The tyre
pressure and wheel alignment should also be
checked and corrected as necessary. Contact an
approved dealer or qualified workshop. TYRE CHAINS
Use of tyre chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing tyre
chains. When installing tyre chains, make sure that
they are of proper size for the tyres on your vehicle
and are installed according to the chain manufactur-
er’s instructions.
Use chain tensioners when recommended by the
tyre chain manufacturer to ensure
atight fit. Loose
end links of the tyre chains must be secured or
removed to prevent the possibility of whipping ac-
tion damage to the wings or underbody. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tyre
chains. In addition, drive at areduced speed. Oth-
erwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Tyre chains must be installed only on the rear
wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tyre chains on paved roads which
are clear of snow. Driving with chains in such condi-
tions can cause damage to the various mechanisms
of the vehicle due to some overstress. TYRE ROTATION
RENAULT recommends that tyres be rotated every
5,000 km (3,000 miles) for Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
or every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) for Two-Wheel
Drive (2WD) model. However, the timing for tyre
rotation may vary according to your driving habits
and the road surface conditions. (See “Flat tyre” in
the “6. In case of emergency” section for the tyre
replacement.)
WARNING
• After rotating the tyres, adjust the tyre pres-
sure.
• Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle
has been driven for 1,000 km (600 miles) (also
in cases of
aflat tyre, etc.).
• Do not include the spare tyre in tyre rotation. SDI1662Z
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-27
