5-5. Driving tips
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Utility vehicle precautions
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications.
Utility vehicle feature
• Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
• An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road allowing you to anticipate problems.
• It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at excessive speeds may cause the vehicle to rollover.
WARNING n Utility vehicle precautions Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of
death, serious injury or damage to your vehicle:
lIn a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the
driver and all passengers should always fasten their seat
belts.
lAvoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
lLoading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.
lAlways slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to
side winds than an ordinary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better
control.
lDo not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or straight down is preferred.
Your vehicle( or any similar off-road vehicle) can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.
5
Driving