Filter
Top Products
Off-Road Driving
Vehicles with all-wheel drive can be
used for off-road driving. Vehicles
without all-wheel drive should not be
driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface.
Many of the vehicle design features
that help make the vehicle more
responsive on paved roads during
poor weather conditions also help
make it better suited for off-road
use than conventional passenger
vehicles. The vehicle does not
have features usually thought to be
necessary for extended or severe
off-road use such as special
underbody shielding and transfer
case low gear range.
The airbag system is designed to
work properly under a wide range of
conditions, including off-road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and
observe safe driving speeds,
especially on rough terrain.
Drinking and driving can be very
dangerous on any road and this is
certainly true for off-road driving.
At the very time you need special
alertness and driving skills, your
reflexes, perceptions, and judgment
can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You could have a
serious — or even fatal — accident if
you drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking.
Off-roading can be great fun but has
some definite hazards. The greatest
of these is the terrain itself. When
off-road driving, traffic lanes are not
marked, curves are not banked, and
there are no road signs. Surfaces
can be slippery, rough, uphill, or
downhill.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers. Failure to operate the
vehicle correctly off-road could result
in loss of vehicle control or vehicle
rollover.
Off-roading involves some new skills.
That is why it is very important that
you read these driving tips and
suggestions to help make off-road
driving safer and more enjoyable.
Before You Go Off-Roading
•
Have all necessary maintenance
and service work done.
• Make sure there is enough fuel,
that fluid levels are where they
should be, and that the spare tire
is fully inflated.
• Be sure to read all the
information about all-wheel-drive
vehicles in this manual.
• Make sure all underbody shields,
if the vehicle has them, are
properly attached.
• Know the local laws that apply to
off-roading where you will be
driving or check with law
enforcement people in the area.
• Be sure to get the necessary
permission if you will be on
private land.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-13