OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
A WARNING
If the ABS warning light (1) on the instrument cluster comes on and stays on while driving, there may be a problem with the ABS system. Ask a 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 cluster simultaneously stay on or come on while 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 slippery road or when hard braking even on a dry paved road. Ask a SUZUKI dealer to inspect the ABS system immediately. Drive carefully, avoiding hard braking as much as possible.
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How ABS works
A 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 or when you accelerate after a hard stop. you may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise as the system resets or checks itself.
A WARNING
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.
Electronic stability program
(ESP®)
ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) helps to control the vehicle during cornering if front wheels or rear wheels skid. It also assists you in maintaining traction while accelerating on loose or slippery road surfaces. It does this by regulating the engine's output, and by_ . selective!¥ applying the brakes. In add1t1on, ESP helps to avoid skidding by controlling braking pressure.
A WARNING
The ESP® cannot enhance the vehicle's driving stability in all situations and does not control your vehicle's entire braking system. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydroplaning. Only safe and attentive drive can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP®
equipped vehicle must never be used as a substitute for careful driving.
Narrower Body Width and Track Your vehicle is narrower than the average passenger car so that it can pass through tight spaces. Without the essential characteristics described above: higher ground clearance, shorter wheelbase, and narrower body width and track -your vehicle could not provide you with excellent offroad driving performance. However, it is also true that on-road driving, handling, and steering will be different from what drivers experience with a conventional passenger car.
On-Paved Road Driving
The data of accidents show that most rollover accidents for multi-purpose vehicles are caused when a driver loses control of the vehicle and leaves the paved portion of the roadway striking a ditch, curb or other off-road object that causes the vehicle to overturn. The following driving practices may reduce the risk of rollover.
Vehicle Slides Off-Road
You can reduce the risk of this kind of rollover accident by always keeping the vehicle under control. Typically, drivers lose control of vehicles, often resulting in rollover accidents, when the driver is impaired because of alcohol or other drugs, falls asleep at the wheel or is otherwise inattentive, or is driving too fast for the road con
ditions.
DRIVING TIPS
Rollovers On the Roadway
If, for any reason, your vehicle slides sideways or spins out of control at highway speeds, while on the paved portion of the roadway, the risk of rollover is greatly increased. This condition can be created when two or more wheels drop off onto the shoulder and you steer sharply in an attempt to reenter the roadway. To reduce the risk of rollover in these circumstances, if conditions permit, you should hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes with controlled steering movements.
All Types of Rollover Accidents
· As with many kinds of automobile accidents, rollovers can be greatly reduced by doing what all prudent drivers should do, i.e., don't drink and drive, don't drive when tired and don't do anything behind the wheel that could cause a loss of attention to the driving task. Additional guidelines are set out below for your on-road driving.
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