Off-road driving situations 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

Owner’s Manuals 2022 Off-road driving situations

Off-road driving situations

Introduction

The examples described in this chapter are to be understood as general guidelines aimed to help the driver in driving safely on off-road terrain. These tips will not necessarily apply to every possible situation that may occur. Before driving on unknown terrain, it is crucial to find out information about the condition of the terrain ahead. You can assess potential dangers in advance. The driver is responsible for deciding whether their vehicle is suitable for the terrain ahead and if the terrain can be driven on.

Driving off-road requires different skills and handling practices compared to driving on developed roads.

This vehicle is not designed for traveling with an “expedition driving style”.

With 4MOTION Active Control in a four-wheel drive vehicle, various vehicle tuning adjustment can be selected to the driver's preference .

Switch off the driver assistance systems and parking systems when off-roading.

Checklist

The following steps should be taken before the first trip to operate and drive the vehicle safely off-road.

Observe the general safety precautions when driving off-road .
Adjust the seating position so there is clear visibility in front of the vehicle and fasten safety belts .
Always wear suitable and well-fitted footwear that gives the feet good traction on the pedals.

A responsible driver also treats nature with care when driving off-road. Driving over shrubs and meadows can destroy the habitats of animals and plants.

Leaking operating fluids resulting from vehicle damage can contaminate the environment. Catch any leaking operating fluids and dispose of them correctly according to environmental regulations.

Take any suitable equipment with you for driving off-road.

Safety precautions for driving off-road

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WARNING

The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the natural laws of physics and it can only operate within the limits of the system. When the condition of the ground is poor, the wheels may lock and cause instability, despite the vehicle having ABS ABS. For example, this could occur during hard braking on loose gravel. Under these conditions, the ESC ESC can only stabilize the vehicle to a limited extent.

WARNING

Driving off-road can be dangerous and can cause accidents, serious injuries, vehicle damage, and vehicle malfunctions far away from any assistance.

Never select a dangerous route or undertake a risk that would endanger the vehicle occupants. If you can go no further or you have doubts about the safety of the route, turn around and choose a different route.
Even if it appears the terrain will be easy to drive on, it may be difficult and dangerous and may create critical driving situations for you and your passengers. Explore the terrain on foot beforehand.
Drive with extreme caution and anticipation when driving off-road. If you are driving too fast or a driving maneuver fails, this can lead to serious injuries and vehicle damage.
Never drive faster than is appropriate for the predominant terrain, road conditions, traffic and weather.
Never drive over embankments, ramps, or hillsides at excessively high speeds. This can cause the vehicle to lift in a way that means you can no longer steer it and lose control of the vehicle.
If the vehicle does lift off the ground, always align the front wheels so they face straight ahead. The vehicle can roll over if the wheels are turned inward when coming back into contact with the ground.

WARNING

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
The vehicle has a higher center of gravity and has a greater risk of rolling over while driving than a “regular” passenger vehicle that is not suited for offroad driving.
Never drive too fast, especially around curves, or perform any extreme driving maneuvers.
Always adapt the speed and driving style to the predominant terrain.
Luggage and other objects transported on the roof of the vehicle also increases the center of gravity and thus the risk of a rollover accident.

WARNING

Sections of terrain that seem safe could be very dangerous. Potholes, depressions, ditches, hollows, obstacles, shallow areas, and soft and swampy ground are often not detected as such and can be completely or partially covered by snow, water, grass, or branches on the ground. Driving over such sections of terrain can cause accidents, serious injuries, and vehicle malfunctions.

Before driving on unknown terrain, explore the route carefully on foot.
Never choose unsafe routes or undertake a risk that would put you and your passengers in danger. If you have doubts about the safety of the route, turn around and choose a different route.
Always adapt the speed and driving style to the load, visibility, terrain and weather conditions.

WARNING

Driving at an angle on a hill can be dangerous and cause accidents, serious injuries and damage to the vehicle.

Always avoid driving at an angle on a hill .
If the vehicle stops at a side angle on a hill, never exit the vehicle through the doors that are facing in the downhill direction. The combined center of gravity of the vehicle and its load (passengers and cargo) can cause it to shift and cause the vehicle to tip over and roll down the hill. If it is necessary, always exit the vehicle carefully using the doors on the side of the vehicle that is facing uphill .

WARNING

The driver assistance systems were developed only for driving on developed roads. The driver assistance systems are not suitable for use off-road and can thus be dangerous in off-road situations. If you use driver assistance systems off-road, you could lose control of the vehicle and become severely injured.

Never use driver assistance systems off-road.

WARNING

Driving off-road with a low fuel level can lead to a vehicle breakdown, accidents, and serious injuries.

Always refuel your vehicle with enough fuel before driving off-road.
The steering and braking support systems will not work if the engine is “sputtering” or malfunctioning due to fuel shortage or irregular fuel supply.

NOTICE

If the windows and sunroof are open, rain could enter the vehicle and soak the interior, causing vehicle damage. Always keep the windows and power sunroof closed when driving off-road.

Explanations of technical terms

Fig. 118 General example: incline angle

Fig. 119 General example: tilt angle

Center of gravity: The center of gravity of a vehicle influences the risk of rollover accidents. When driving off-road, the vehicle has a larger ground clearance and thus a higher center of gravity compared to “normal” road vehicles. Due to the higher center of gravity, there is an increased risk that the vehicle could roll over while driving. Always consider this fact while driving and always observe the safety tips and warnings listed in this Owner's Manual.
Ground clearance: The distance between the road surface and the lowest point of the vehicle underbody.
Incline angle: The maximum angle the vehicle can drive up an incline on its own. A rising difference in altitude (incline) on a 100 m (300 ft) stretch is given in percentage or degrees . The maximum incline angle the vehicle can handle depends on the road surface and the engine power, among other things.
Tilt angle: The maximum angle that the vehicle can drive diagonally or perpendicularly to the fall line on a hill without tipping over (depends on the center of gravity) .
Ramp angle: Maximum angle that the vehicle can drive over a ramp at slow speeds without the vehicle underbody coming into contact with the edge of the ramp.
Slope angle: The transition from the horizontal plane on an incline or from the slope back to level ground. Maximum angle that the vehicle can handle without the vehicle underbody coming into contact with the edge of the slope.
Fall line: The line that is the most direct path downhill.
Axle articulation: The torsional flexibility of a vehicle when driving over an object on one side.

Checklist “before driving off-road”

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Checklist

For your safety and the safety of your passengers, always observe the following points before driving off-road:

Learn about the quality of the upcoming terrain before driving off-road.
Fill up the fuel tank. Fuel consumption is significantly higher off-road than it is on developed roads.
Check if the tire profile and the type of all the tires is sufficient for the planned off-road trip.
Check and adjust the tire pressure on all tires.
Check the engine oil level and add engine oil if necessary. When the vehicle is on sloping ground, the engine will only supplied with engine oil if the engine oil level is sufficient.
Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir completely with water and windshield washer fluid.
Stow any luggage as low as possible in the vehicle and distributed evenly. Secure all loose objects safely.

General rules and driving instructions

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Volkswagen recommends to never drive off-road alone. At least two off-roading vehicles should drive together off-road. An unexpected situation could occur at any time. Therefore, it is especially wise to have equipment that can be used to call for emergency assistance.
Stop and explore the path on foot, especially before critical passages.
Drive over bumps slowly so that the vehicle does not lift up, which could cause damage and prevent you from maneuvering the vehicle.
Drive slowly through difficult sections of the route. Upshift on slippery ground and always keep the vehicle in motion.
There is usually a lot of soft ground on off-road terrain, where the tires could sink into the ground. This reduces the ground clearance and the wading depth. Whenever possible, drive on level and solid ground.
Even at low speeds, always maintain a safe distance to other vehicles. If the first vehicle suddenly becomes stuck, the vehicle following it would be able to stop in time without also getting stuck.

NOTICE

Always make sure there is enough ground clearance under the vehicle. Severe damage to the underbody can occur if the vehicle hits the ground. This damage can cause vehicle breakdowns and make it impossible to continue driving.

Shifting gears correctly

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Correct gear selection depends on the terrain.

Before driving on a difficult stretch of the route, it may be helpful to stop and consider which gear to select. After several off-roading trips, you can learn which gear in conjunction with gear reduction is best suited for certain areas of terrain.

When the correct gear is selected, the vehicle must normally be braked less with the brake pedal because the engine braking effect will be sufficient in the majority of cases.
Only accelerate as much as is necessary. Too much acceleration can cause the wheels to spin and thus loss of control of the vehicle.
Use the D selector lever position on normal, level stretches of off-road land.
Adjust your speed when driving on soft or slippery ground and drive at the highest possible gear in tiptronic mode.
Drive using tiptronic in gear 1 when on steep hills or on a steep incline.
Drive using tiptronic in gears 3 or 2 when on mud, sand, water, or hilly areas .
Use the off-road display .

Driving over brush and rock

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Select a suitable driving mode and drive no faster than walking speeds over rocky ground.
If you are unable to drive around a stone, drive carefully onto the stone with one of the front wheels and then drive slowly over it .

Even objects that are lower than the available ground clearance can come into contact with the vehicle underbody and cause vehicle damage and malfunctions. This is especially true if there is a depression or soft ground in front of or behind the object. This is also true if the vehicle drives too fast over an object and then the suspension compresses.

NOTICE

Never drive over a very large object such as boulders or tree trunks if it is under the vehicle or on one side. Objects that are higher than the ground clearance will damage vehicle components when driven over and could cause vehicle malfunctions.

Driving through still or flowing water

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Driving through flooded terrain or bodies of water could cause vehicle damage.

You can carefully drive through water that comes up to the lower edge of the vehicle body.

Note the maximum wading depth of the vehicle.
Only drive through water in an area where the ground is solid underneath it remains lower than the maximum permissible wading depth.
Note the additional information for driving through water on paved roads .

Before driving through water

Stop, get out and assess the situation :

Measure the depth of the water all the way over to the other side. Make sure that the ground is firm enough and identify any dips and obstacles .
Make sure that it is possible to safely enter and exit the water.
Check the ramp angle and firmness of the banks.
Select a suitable driving mode .

Driving through still or slow-flowing water

As long as the ground is firm enough, you can drive your vehicle through still or slow-flowing water .

Drive into the water slowly and in the direction of the current. Never exceed the ramp or tilt angle.
Drive at a constant speed all the way to the opposite bank.

Driving at a constant speed prevents engine damage caused by the ingress of water. It also allows an air pocket to form in front of the engine, which fuels the engine with the oxygen it requires. If you drive into the water too fast or drive through the water too fast, you will create a bow wave in front of the vehicle. Water from this bow wave may find its way into the engine's air intake port and seriously damage the engine.

Driving through fast-flowing water

The strength and speed of the current and the depth of the water can be dangerous and unpredictable . Vehicles can be swept away by the current. Even vehicles with generous ground clearance can get stuck if the ground beneath their tires is swept away. Flowing water backs up against one side of the vehicle, making the water deeper on that side.

Do not take any risks. Look for a shallower place to cross the water or turn back.

After driving through water

Check the vehicle for damage.
Gently apply your brakes to dry them off.

WARNING

Flowing water can generate enormous power and can carry a vehicle away. This can lead to extremely dangerous situations, which could cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Never let the vehicle stop in water.
Soft ground, obstacles under the water, shallows, or water in the engine compartment can cause accidents and vehicle malfunctions in the water. This can then lead to critical situations.

NOTICE

If you drive through water, vehicle components such as the engine, drivetrain, suspension, or vehicle electrical system could become severely damaged.

Never drive over salt, salt-covered surfaces such as salt flats, or through salty water. Salt can cause corrosion. Using fresh water, immediately rinse any parts of the vehicle that may have come into contact with salt or salty water.

NOTICE

Objects in the water can enter the openings of the extended spray nozzles of the headlight washer system. The spray nozzles then cannot move back to their basic position.

Do not use the headlight washer system when you are driving through water.

Driving in sand and mud

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The ESC and ASR must be turned on .

Select a suitable driving mode .
Select a suitable gear and stay in that gear until solid ground is reached .
Always drive at a consistent speed through sand or mud, do not shift manually, and do not stop.

The tires can lose their grip in sand or mud.

Do not change the speed or direction.
If the vehicle slides, steer in the direction in which it is sliding to regain control of the vehicle.
If the tires are no longer gripping the ground, turn the steering wheel back and forth quickly. This can briefly create better tire traction between the ground at the front wheels.

WARNING

Driving through sand and mud can be dangerous. The vehicle can slide uncontrollably, increasing the risk of injury. Always drive forward carefully when you have to drive through sand, mud, or slush.

Never choose unsafe routes or undertake a risk that would put you and your passengers in danger. If you have doubts about the safety of the route, turn around and choose a different route.

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressures can cause a serious or fatal accident.

Incorrect tire pressures cause increased tire wear and impair vehicle handling.
Incorrect tire pressures can cause overheating, sudden tire damage including tire blow-outs, and stripping of the tread, which can then result in loss of vehicle control.
If you do choose to lower the tire pressure in order to drive through sand, however, you must always reinflate the tires to the correct tire pressure afterward before you drive anywhere else. Driving with low tire pressures can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and increases the risk of serious and fatal injuries.

Recommendations if the vehicle is stuck

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The vehicle becomes stuck when the wheels have sunk so deeply into the ground that the vehicle can no longer move forward or backward under its own power.

To rock the vehicle out of sand or mud, training and a lot of strength are necessary. If one makes a mistake when rocking a vehicle out of place, the vehicle can sink even farther and additional assistance will be needed to continue.

Never let the wheels spin for a long time, because this will only make the vehicle sink deeper into the ground .

Preparations

Carefully dig out all of the wheels and make sure no other vehicle components are stuck in sand or mud.
Select the reverse gear.
Press the accelerator pedal gently and reverse in the same track.

If this does not help, place brushwood, floor mats, or burlap cloth directly behind the tires to create traction to help the vehicle to move .

Rocking the vehicle out of place

Switch off the ASR .
Adjust the steering wheel so that it is straight.
Drive in reverse until the wheels begin to spin straight.
Engage the first gear immediately and begin to drive forward until the wheels begin to spin again.
Drive back and forth in this way until there is enough momentum to release the vehicle.
Reactivate ASR after the vehicle is rocked out of place.

WARNING

No one should ever stand in front of or behind the vehicle, especially when attempting to move a stuck vehicle out of place.

Spinning wheels can greatly accelerate stones, brushwood, pieces of wood, or other objects under the wheels, which could cause life-threatening injuries.
If the stuck vehicle moves suddenly, people standing in front of or behind the vehicle could be run over.

Driving on steep terrain

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Driving on inclines or slopes

Before driving up an incline or down a hill, stop, exit the vehicle, and assess the situation:

Go along the path and check the ground for sufficient firmness, obstacles, or other hidden hazards .
Look to see how the path continues after the incline.
If the route is too steep, too uneven, or the ground is too loose, then do not drive on this path and choose another route.
Drive uphill or downhill slowly and continuously on a straight path.
Never stop or turn around on a hillside.
Only accelerate enough to overcome the incline. Too much acceleration can cause the wheels to spin and the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Too little acceleration increases the likelihood of stalling the engine.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission Do not shift gears while driving on an incline.
Use the off-road display .

If the vehicle can no longer drive up an incline

Never turn around on an incline.
If the engine has stopped, press the brake pedal and restart the engine.
Select reverse gear and drive slowly and carefully along the same path.
Maintain a consistent speed using the brake pedal until you reach safe and level ground.

Driving downhill

There is increased risk of rollover accidents when driving downhill. Concentrate very carefully on steering the vehicle when driving downhill.

Drive in first gear when driving down steep hills.
Use the brakes gently to reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
Never exceed the tilt angle of the vehicle.
If it is possible and not dangerous, drive straight downhill along the fall line (maximum slope).
Use the off-road display and the hill hold assist when driving on steep hills .

WARNING

Never try to drive on an incline or a hill when it is too steep for the vehicle. The vehicle could slide, tip or flip over.

The incline angle or tilt angle must not be larger than the maximum permissible value for the vehicle.
When driving uphill or downhill, always follow the fall line.
Never change direction or turn round when driving uphill or downhill. The vehicle could tip over or slide.
If the engine stalls or if your vehicle can go no further, stop and press the brake pedal. Restart the engine. Engage the reverse gear, release the brake pedal and use engine braking to ease the vehicle back in a straight line that follows the fall line. Keep to a steady, low speed.
If the engine will not start, press the brake pedal down, applying constant pressure, and allow the vehicle to roll back the same way you came. Keep to a steady, low speed.
Never allow the vehicle to coast backward down the incline. You may lose control of the vehicle.

Driving at an angle on a hill

Fig. 120 General example: steering downhill along the fall line.

Fig. 121 General example: exit through the side of the vehicle that is facing uphill.

Driving at an angle on a hill is dangerous when driving off-road .

Before driving, always check if there are other safer routes available.

If you must drive at an angled position:

The vehicle’s center of gravity should be as low as possible. Larger or heavier individuals should sit on the more elevated side of the vehicle. Luggage on the roof should be removed and heavy objects should be secured, because the vehicle could tip over due to objects suddenly sliding out of place .
The ground must be as firm as possible. The vehicle can skid sideways and tip over more easily on slippery or soft ground. Always make sure the angle will not become too large from bumps in the road. The vehicle can tip and roll over when the tilt angle is too large.
If the vehicle is positioned at a high angle, the wheels on the lower side of the vehicle must never drive over depressions or dips in the ground. The wheels on the higher side of the vehicle must never drive over elevated objects, such as stones, tree trunks, or other obstacles.
If it seems the vehicle is about to tip, immediately steer toward the downhill direction and accelerate lightly . If it is not possible to steer downhill, steer uphill and accelerate lightly.

WARNING

Never attempt to drive at an angle on a hill, especially if the hill is too steep for the vehicle. A vehicle can skid, tip, or roll over when positioned sideways to a hill. To reduce the risk of accidents and serious injuries, observe the following:

Never underestimate the risks and dangers of driving at an angle on a hill. Never choose unsafe routes or undertake a risk that would put you and your passengers in danger. If there are doubts about the safety of the route, turn around and choose a different route.
When driving at an angle on a hill, the vehicle can lose hold, slide to the side, tip, or flip over and roll down the hill.
Never let the wheels on the lower side of the vehicle drive through depressions or dips in the ground. Never let the wheels on the higher side of the vehicle drive over elevated objects, such as stones, tree trunks, or other obstacles.
Before driving at an angle on a hill, make sure that you can steer toward the fall line. If that is not possible, choose another path. If it seems the vehicle is about to tip, immediately steer toward the downhill direction and accelerate lightly .
If the vehicle is on a hill with a steep sideways tendency, avoid abrupt and dramatic movements in the vehicle. This can cause the vehicle to lose hold, slide to the side, tip, or flip over and roll down the hill.
If the vehicle is stopped at a side angle on a hill, a person must never exit the vehicle through the doors that are facing downhill. This can cause the total center of gravity to shift to the side. The vehicle could tip or flip over and roll down the hill. To reduce the risk of this happening, always exit the vehicle carefully on the side facing uphill .
When exiting the vehicle, ensure that the upwards opening door does not shut and cause injury due to its own weight or passenger inattention.

Driving through ditches

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Check if the slope and tilt angle is small enough to drive over the ditch with the vehicle. The tilt angle must not be too large when driving through the ditch .
Find a suitable point to drive through the ditch.
If possible, cross the ditch at a sharp angle .

WARNING

Do not attempt to drive across a ditch if the ramp angle or tilt angle is too steep and the ditch is too deep for the vehicle. The vehicle could tip, slide, and roll over.

NOTICE

If driving into the ditch at a right angle, the front wheels will fall in. The vehicle could bottom out, be damaged, and no longer be drivable. If this happens, it will most likely be impossible to drive out of the ditch, even with all wheel drive.

After off-road driving

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Checklist

Clean the vehicle.
Check the vehicle for damage.
Check the tires for damage and remove any thick dirt, stones, and foreign objects from the tread.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and remove any and all objects that are stuck in the brake system, wheels, suspensions, exhaust system and in the engine, such as twigs, leaves, or pieces of wood . If any damage or leaks are discovered, seek assistance from suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Inspect the engine compartment for any contamination that may be impairing engine operation .

WARNING

Any objects stuck under the vehicle underbody present a hazard. The vehicle underbody must always be inspected for stuck objects after every off-road trip.

Never drive the vehicle if objects are stuck on the underbody, in the brake system, in the wheels, in the suspension, in the exhaust system, or in the engine.
Flammable materials, such as wet leaves, can ignite near hot vehicle components. A fire can increase the risk of serious injury.
Stuck objects can damage the fuel lines, brake system, seals, and other components on the chassis. This can cause accidents and loss of control of the vehicle.

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2022 Volkswagen Atlas Owners Manual - Off-road driving situations