Operation under adverse driving conditions
If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or snow
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gearshift lever (manual transaxle) or selector lever (automatic transaxle) rhythmically between 1st and Reverse position (with manual transaxle) or “Sports mode” and “R” (REVERSE) position (with automatic transaxle), while pressing lightly on the accel- erator pedal. Do not race the engine nor spin the wheels. Constant efforts to free a stuck vehicle can cause overheating and transaxle fail- ure. Let the engine idle for a few minutes to cool the transaxle before trying again. If your vehicle is still stuck after several rocking attempts, call for a commercial tow truck service.
WARNING! ● To prevent entry of exhaust gas from the towing
vehicle, set the selection switch to the recirculation position.
WARNING! ● When trying to rock your vehicle out of a stuck posi-
tion, make sure that there are no people nearby. The rocking motion can make your vehicle suddenly lurch forward or backward, and injure any bystanders.
For emergencies
On wet roads On snowy or icy roads
● When driving on a road covered with snow or ice, use
snow tires. Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle. There may be state or local regulations about using snow tires. Always check the regulations in your local area before using them. Refer to the section entitled “Snow tires” on page 7-28 and “Tire chains” on page 7-29.
● Drive slowly. Do not make sudden starts or stops, sharp turns, or slam on the brakes.
● Pressing the brake pedal when driving on snowy or icy roads can make your tires slip and skid. When a skid occurs, take your foot off the accelerator. Steer gently into the skid. As your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake by pressing the brake pedal firmly and keep it depressed.
● Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.
● After parking on snowy or icy road, it may be difficult to move your vehicle due to freeze-up of the brake. Depress the accelerator pedal little by little to move the vehicle after confirming safety of the vehicle.
CAUTION! ● Avoid flooded roads. Water is often deeper than it
looks, and you could be seriously hurt by driving into flood water.
● When driving in rain, on water-covered roads, or through a car wash, water could get into the brake discs and make them fail temporarily. In such cases, lightly press the brake pedal to see if they are work- ing properly. If they are not, press the pedal lightly several times while driving to dry the brake pads, then check them again.
● When driving in rain, a layer of water may form between the tires and the road surface (aquaplan- ing). This loosens your tires’ grip on the road, mak- ing it difficult to steer or brake properly. When driving on a wet road: • Drive your vehicle at a safe speed. • Do not drive on worn tires. • Always keep the tires at the correct inflation pres-
sures. CAUTION! ● Do not depress the accelerator pedal rapidly. The
vehicle could start moving when it breaks free from the ice, possibly resulting in an accident.
For emergencies
On a bumpy or rutted road
Drive as slow as possible when driving on bumpy or rutted roads or over pothole etc.
CAUTION! ● Driving on bumpy, rutted roads or over potholes can
damage the tires and wheels. Wheels with low-profiles tires or under-inflated tires are especially at risk for damage.
● The vehicle’s body, bumper, muffler and other parts may be damaged if the vehicle is: • driven over a step (for example, at the entrance or
exit of a parking lot); • parked too closely against a curb or parking block,
or by the side of a road with curbstones; • driven on a steep slope.
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