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Driving and Operating 229
and aggressive driving can
help make trips safer and
avoid the possibility of a crash.
Driving Environment
Be prepared for driving in
inclement weather, at night,
or during other times where
visibility or traction may be
limited, such as on curves,
slippery roads, or hilly terrain.
Unfamiliar surroundings can
also have hidden hazards.
Vehicle Design
Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of
vehicles. This is because they
have a higher ground
clearance and a narrower
track or shorter wheelbase
than passenger cars, which
makes them more capable for
off-road driving. While these
design characteristics provide
the driver with a better view
of the road, these vehicles do
have a higher center of gravity
than other types of vehicles.A utility vehicle does not
handle the same as a vehicle
with a lower center of gravity,
like a car, in similar situations.
Safe driver behavior and
understanding of the
environment can help avoid a
rollover crash in any type of
vehicle, including utility
vehicles.
Driving for Better
Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel
economy possible.
.Set the climate controls to
the desired temperature
after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not
required.
.On AWD vehicles, use Tour
Mode when conditions
permit.
.Avoid fast starts and
accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for
long periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly
when conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires
with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the
tire's sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended
scheduled maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many
forms and can take your focus
from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and
do not let other activities
divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
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234 Driving and Operating
{Warning
When driving off-road,
bouncing and quick changes
in direction can easily throw
you out of position. This
could cause you to lose
control and crash. You and
your passengers should
always wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary
maintenance and service
work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid
levels, and check inflation
pressure in all tires, including
the spare, if equipped.
.Read all the information
about AWD vehicles in this
manual.
.Make sure all underbody
shields, if equipped, are
properly attached.
.Know the local laws that
apply to off-road driving.To gain more ground
clearance if needed, it may be
necessary to remove the front
fascia lower air dam. However,
driving without the air dam
reduces fuel economy.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for
extended periods without
the front fascia lower air
dam installed can cause
improper airflow to the
engine. Reattach the front
fascia air dam after off-road
driving.
Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving
{Warning
.Unsecured cargo on the
load floor can be tossed
about when driving over
rough terrain. You or your
passengers can be struck
by flying objects. Secure
the cargo properly.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Keep cargo in the cargo
area as far forward and as
low as possible. The
heaviest things should be
on the floor, forward of
the rear axle.
.Heavy loads on the roof
raise the vehicle's center
of gravity, making it more
likely to roll over. You can
be seriously or fatally
injured if the vehicle rolls
over. Put heavy loads
inside the cargo area, not
on the roof.
For more information about
loading the vehicle, see
Vehicle Load Limits 0242.
Environmental Concerns
.Always use established
trails, roads, and areas that
have been set aside for
public off-road recreational
driving and obey all posted
regulations.
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388 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
it has been driven may be
unknown. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use
a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also
cause problems with bearing
life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer
calibration, headlamp aim,
bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or
tire chain clearance to the
body and chassis.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has 235/60R18
or 245/45R20 size tires, do
not use tire chains. There is(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
not enough clearance. Tire
chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount
of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by
the tire chains could cause
loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its
manufacturer recommends
it for the vehicle's tire size
combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions.
To avoid vehicle damage,
drive slow and readjust or
remove the traction device if
it contacts the vehicle. Do
not spin the wheels. If
traction devices are used,
install them on the front
tires.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped
with a tire size other than
235/60R18 or 245/45R20,
use tire chains only where
legal and only when
necessary. Use low profile
chains that add no more
than 12 mm thickness to the
tire tread and inner sidewall.
Use chains that are the
proper size for the tires.
Install them on the tires of
the front axle. Do not use
chains on the tires of the
rear axle. Tighten them as
tightly as possible with the
ends securely fastened.
Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer's
instructions. If the chains
contact the vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the
contact continues, slow
down until it stops. Driving(Continued)