3-30
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
(if equipped)ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever it
senses that the wheels are locking up. You
may feel the brake pedal moves a little
while the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 10 km/h (6mph).
63J081
(1) ABS warning light
(2) Brake system warning light
WA R N I N G
On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.) the stopping distance
required for an ABS-equipped vehi-
cle may be slightly greater than for
a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a con-
ventional brake system, skidding
tyres are able to “plow” the gravel
or snow layer, shortening the stop-
ping distance. ABS minimizes this
resistance effect. Allow for extra
stopping distance when driving on
loose surfaces.
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive faster than
conditions will safely allow.
(1)
(2)
WA R N I N G
If the ABS warning light (1) on the
instrument panel comes on and
stays on while driving, there may
be a problem with the ABS system.
Contact your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer to inspect the ABS system
immediately. If the ABS system
becomes inoperative, the brake
system will function as an ordinary
brake system that has no ABS.
If the ABS warning light (1) and the
Brake system warning light (2) on
the instrument panel simultane-
ously stays on or comes on when
driving, both anti-lock function and
rear brake force control function
(proportioning valve function) of
the ABS system may have failed. If
so, the rear wheels may easily skid
or the vehicle can even spin in the
worst case when braking on a slip-
pery road or when hard braking
even on a dry paved road. Contact
your MARUTI SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the ABS system immedi-
ately. Drive carefully, avoiding hard
braking as much as possible.
3-31OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
74LH0-74E
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle after a
stop, you may hear a momentary motor or
clicking noise as the system resets or
checks itself.
WA R N I N G
The ABS may not work properly if
tyres or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tyres or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
4-1DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
74LHM0401
Running-inCatalytic Converter
74LHM0402
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
converters is prohibited, because lead
deactivates the pollutant-reducing compo-
nents of the catalyst system.
The converter is designed to last the life of
the vehicle under normal usage and when
unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-
nance is required on the converter. How-
ever, it is very important to keep the engine
properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which can
result from an improperly tuned engine,
may cause overheating of the catalyst.
This may result in permanent heat damage
to the catalyst and other vehicle compo-
nents.
WA R N I N G
WEAR YOUR SEAT BELTS AT ALL
TIMES. Even though air bags are
equipped at the front seating posi-
tions, the driver and all passengers
should be properly restrained at all
times, using the seat belts pro-
vided. Refer to the “Seat Belts and
Child Restraint Systems” section
for instructions on proper use of
the seat belts.
Never drive while under the influ-
ence of alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can seriously
impair your ability to drive safely,
greatly increasing the risk of injury
to yourself and others. You should
also avoid driving when you are
tired, sick, irritated, or under
stress.EXAMPLE
NOTICE
The future performance and reliabil-
ity of the engine depends on the care
and restraint exercised during its
early life. It is especially important to
observe the following precautions
during the initial 960 km of vehicle
operation.
After starting, do not race theengine. Warm it up gradually.
Avoid prolonged vehicle operation at a constant speed. Moving parts
will break in better if you vary your
speed.
Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid
full throttle starts.
Avoid hard braking, especially during the first 320 km of driving.
Do not drive slowly with the trans- axle in a high gear.
Drive the vehicle at moderate
engine speeds.
Do not tow a trailer.
EXAMPLE
4-2
DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
74LHM0403
Improving Fuel EconomyThe following instructions will help you
improve fuel economy.
Avoid excessive idling
If you are to wait for more than a minute
while you are parked, stop the engine and
start it again later. When warming up a
cold engine, do not allow the engine to idle
or apply full throttle until the engine has
reached operating temperature. Allow the
engine to warm up by driving.
Avoid sudden acceleration
Sudden acceleration starting from rest or
while driving will consume fuel unneces-
sarily and shorten engine life. Start off
slowly.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-
ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed
whenever possible. Slowing down and
then accelerating again uses more fuel.
Keep a steady cruising speed
Keep as constant a speed as road and
traffic conditions will permit.
NOTICE
To minimize the possibility of catalyst
or other vehicle damage:
Maintain the engine in the properoperating condition.
In the event of an engine malfunc- tion, particularly one involving
engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have the vehi-
cle serviced promptly.
Do not turn off the engine or inter- rupt the ignition when the transaxle
is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the vehicle, or
coasting down a hill.
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires disconnected or
removed, such as during diagnos-
tic testing.
Do not idle the vehicle for pro-
longed periods if idling seems
rough or there are other malfunc-
tions.
Do not allow the fuel tank to get near the empty level.
Avoid driving your vehicle at
excessively high engine speeds, in
or around the red zone of the
tachometer (if equipped).
WA R N I N G
Be careful where you park and drive;
the catalytic converter and other
exhaust components can get very
hot. As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry
grass or leaves can come in contact
with a hot exhaust system.EXAMPLE
4-3DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
Keep the air cleaner clean
74LHM0404
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
Heavier the load, more fuel the vehicle
consumes. Take out any luggage or cargo
when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressures correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label on the driver’s
door lock pillar.
Highway DrivingWhen driving at high speeds, pay attention
to the following:
Stopping distance progressivelyincreases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow for the extra stopping dis-
tance.
On rainy days, hydroplaning can occur. Hydroplaning is the loss of direct contact
between the road surface and the vehi-
cle’s tires due to a water film forming
between them. Steering or braking the
vehicle while hydroplaning can be very
difficult, and loss of control can occur.
Keep speed down when the road sur-
face is wet.
At high speeds, the vehicle may be affected by side winds. Therefore,
reduce speed and be prepared for unex-
pected buffeting, which can occur at the
exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut
of a hill, or when being overtaken by
large vehicles, etc.
Driving on Hills
74LHM0405
When climbing steep hills, the vehicle
may begin to slow down and show a lack
of power. If this happens, you should
shift to a lower gear so that the engine
will again be operating in its normal
power range. Shift rapidly to prevent the
vehicle from losing momentum.
When driving down a hill, the engine should be used for braking by shifting to
next lower gear.
EXAMPLE
R
N
D
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M+
EXAMPLE
4-4
DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
Tire ChainsTire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Make sure that the chains you use
are the correct size for your vehicle’s tires.
Also make sure that there is enough clear-
ance between the fenders and the chains
as installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the front tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km if necessary. With the
chains installed, drive slowly.
NOTICE
If you hear the chains hittingagainst the vehicle body while driv-
ing, stop and tighten them.
If your vehicle is equipped with full wheel caps, remove the wheel caps
before installing the chains or the
wheel caps can be damaged by the
chain bands.
brake firmly so that the
74LH M0407
Under wet road conditions you should
drive at a lower speed th an on dry roads
d ue to po ssible slipp age of tires during
braking. When driving on icy, snow-cov-
ered, or mud dy road s, re duce yo ur speed
a nd avoid sudden accele ration, ab rupt
braking, or sharp steering movements.
WARNING
Try not to hold the brake pedal down
too lo ng or too of ten while going
down a steep or long hill. This could
cause the brak es to ov erheat, re sult-
ing in redu ced braking ef ficiency.
Fa ilure to ta ke this pr ecaution could
resu lt in lo ss of vehicle control.
NOTICE
When d escending down a hill,
NEVER turn the ignition key to the “L OCK” po sition. Emission control
system damage may result.
Apply the
parking
vehicle does not roll backwards.
Dep ress the Clutch pedal and Shift the
gearshift lever to 1
st Sel ect position.
Do not slip the clutch. W hen ready to start, press accelerator
pedal and s lowly release the c lutch
pedal simultane ously. When the vehicle
starts to move, gradua lly release the
parking brake.
While mov ing uph ill/gradient from a
stand still c ondition
Driving on Slippery RoadsEXAMPLE
4-5DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
If Your Vehicle Gets StuckIf your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud, or
sand, follow the directions below:
1) Shift the transaxle back and forthbetween 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. Perso nal 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.
NOTICE
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 the engine.
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 precautions.
Make sure your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for
details.
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
they are less effective than normal,
dry them by repeatedly applying
the brakes while driving slowly
until the brakes have regained their
normal effectiveness.
4-6
DRIVING TIPS
67LH3-74E
74LHM0408
Do’s and Dont’s for Safe
DrivingExercise care in handling your vehicle. Be
conscious of not only your own safety but
also the safety of others on the road, and
thus enjoy the best and most comfortable
driving experience.
Following are basic rules for safe driving.
Read them carefully for good understand-
ing of the content so that you can enjoy
safe and pleasant driving in your vehicle.Starting1) Adjust the driver’s seat for the proper driving posture.
2) Adjust the rear view mirror so as to obtain the best po ssible rear view.
74LHM0409
3) Before moving, look around your vehi-
cle to confirm safety.
4) Don’t accelerate suddenly, since it is
dangerous and wastes fuel.General driving1) Be sure to stop before a stop light orstop sign. When moving into an inter-
section without any traffic lights or
signs, drive slowly to confirm safety.
2) Always follow other vehicles at a safe
distance in order to prevent a rear-end
collision, in case the vehicle ahead
makes a sudden stop.
74LHM0410
3) Turn ON the turn signal at least 30meters before making a turn or chang-
ing the lane so as to not be hit.
4) Before entering a corner, decelerate to a safe speed. Don’t apply brakes during
cornering, or skidding may occur.
5) When overtaking other vehicles, watch out for oncoming vehicles and carefully
ensure safety.
6) Don’t attempt zigzag driving as it will hinder your control over the vehicle and
may cause an accident.
7) Avoid reckless high speed driving and try to drive at a safe speed suitable for
the road conditions while maintaining a
constant speed.
8) Higher the speed, narrower the driver’s visual range becomes. In such a state,
it is difficult to anticipate any hazard and
the driver feels fatigued.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE