Driving Through Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you are driving in mud. Even all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in mud. If your vehicle slides, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of your vehicle. After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess residue can cause an imbalance that could damage drive components.
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, it could be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature, as damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more than a minute, as damage to the transmission and tires could occur or the engine could overheat.
Water
If you must drive though deep water, drive slowly. The water could limit traction or brake capability. See Driving Through Shallow Water.
When driving though water, determine the depth and avoid water higher than the center of the wheel.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as quickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressure to the brake pedal while slowly moving the vehicle to dry the brakes.
Note: Driving through deep water could cause damage to the transmission. If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, have the axle lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant checked and changed if necessary.
DRIVING ON HILLY OR SLOPING TERRAIN
 WARNING: Extreme care should be used when steering the vehicle in reverse down a slope so as not to cause the vehicle to swerve out of control. |
Although natural obstacles could make it necessary to travel diagonally up or down a hill or steep incline, you should try to drive straight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possible vehicle roll over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand the route you can use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the aid of an observer.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much power causes the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, and you could lose control of your vehicle. When descending a steep hill, do not descend the hill in neutral. Avoid sudden hard braking to keep the front wheels rolling and to maintain your vehicle's steering.
Note: Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the brakes.
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck driving on hilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature, as damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more than a minute, as damage to the transmission and tires could occur or the engine could overheat.
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