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STARTING AND OPERATING 269
Driving Downhill
Before driving down a steep hill, you need to
det
ermine if it is too steep for a safe descent.
What is the surface traction? Is the grade too
steep to maintain a slow, controlled descent?
Are there obstacles? Is it a straight descent? Is
there plenty of distance at the base of the hill to
regain control if the vehicle descends to fast? If
you feel confident in your ability to proceed,
then make sure you are in 4L and proceed with
caution. Allow engine braking to control the
descent and apply your brakes, if necessary, but
do not allow the tires to lock.
Driving Across An Incline
If at all possible, avoid driving across an incline.
If it is necessary, know your vehicle's abilities.
Driving across an incline places more weight on
the downhill wheels, which increases the
possibilities of a downhill slide or rollover. Make
sure the surface has good traction with firm and
stable soils. If possible, transverse the incline at
an angle heading slightly up or down.
If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway
If you stall or begin to lose headway while
clim
bing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come
to a stop and immediately apply the brake.
Restart the engine and shift into REVERSE.
Back slowly down the hill allowing engine
braking to control the descent and apply your
brakes, if necessary, but do not allow the tires
to lock.
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type
of water. Water crossings should be avoided, if
possible, and only be attempted when
necessary in a safe, responsible manner. You
should only drive through areas which are
designated and approved. You should tread
lightly and avoid damage to the environment.
You should know your vehicle's abilities and be
able to recover it if something goes wrong. You
should never stop or shut a vehicle off when
crossing deep water unless you ingested water
into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls, do
not attempt to restart it. Determine if it has
ingested water first. The key to any crossing is
low and slow. Shift into first gear (manual
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL.
Use vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine
braking. Descending a grade too fast could
cause you to lose control and be seriously
injured or killed.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of
a rollover, which may result in severe injury.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or
grade, never attempt to turn around. To do so
may result in tipping and rolling the vehicle,
which may result in severe injury. Always back
carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE.
Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only
the vehicle brakes. Never drive diagonally
across a hill, always drive straight up or down.
5
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