Operation under adverse driving conditions
On a flooded road
► Avoid flooded roads. Water could enter the brake discs, resulting in temporarily ineffective brakes. In such cases, lightly depress the brake pedal to see if the brakes operate properly.
If they do not, lightly depress the pedal several times while driving in order to dry the brake pads.
► When driving in rain or on a road with many puddles a layer of water may form between the tyres and the road surface.
This reduces a tyre’s frictional resistance on the road, resulting in loss of steering stability and braking capability.
To cope with this, observe the following items: (a) Drive your vehicle at slow speed.
(b) Do not drive on worn tyres.
(c) Always maintain the specified tyre inflation pressures.
On a snow-covered or frozen
► When driving on a snow-covered or frozen road, it is recommended that you use snow tyres or tyre chains. Refer to the “Snow tyres” and “Tyre chains” sections.
► Avoid high-speed operation, sudden acceleration, abrupt brake application and sharp cornering.
► Depressing the brake pedal during travel on snowy or icy roads may cause tyre slippage and skidding. When traction between the tyres and the road is reduced the wheels may skid and the vehicle cannot readily be brought to a stop by conventional braking techniques. Braking will differ, depending upon whether you have anti-lock brake system (ABS). As your vehicle is equipped with ABS, brake by pressing the brake pedal hard, and keeping it pressed.
► Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.
► Accumulation of ice on the braking system can cause the wheels to lock. Pull away from a standstill slowly after confirming safety around the vehicle.
Caution
► Do not press the accelerator pedal rapidly.
If the wheels break free of the ice, the vehicle could suddenly start moving and possibly cause an accident.
On a bumpy or rutted road
Drive as slow as possible when driving on bumpy or rutted roads.
Caution
► The impact on tyres and/or wheels when driving on a bumpy or rutted road can damage the tyre and/or wheel.
► 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 kerb or parking block, or by the side of a road with kerbstones;
• driven on a steep slope;
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