GMC Terrain Quiz
Driving and Operation

Off-Road Driving

In this manual: Driving and Operation
Introduction — 1In Brief — 46Keys, Doors and Windows — 37Seats and Restraints — 60Storage — 6Instruments and Controls — 58Lighting — 16Infotainment System — 1Climate Control — 8Driving and Operation — 128Vehicle Care — 75Service and Maintenance — 8Technical Data — 5Customer Information — 18OnStar — 6Connected Services — 4
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All-wheel drive vehicles may be used for off-road driving. Vehicles without all-wheel drive and vehicles not equipped with All Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR) tires should not be driven off-road except on level, hard surfaces. Contact the tire manufacturer for more information on original equipment tires, see the warranty guide.

Vehicle control is the key to successful off-road driving. One of the best ways to control the vehicle is to control speed.

Before Off-Road Driving

  • . Make sure all required maintenance and service work has been completed.
  • Refuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and check the inflation pressure of all tires, including the spare tire, if equipped.
  • Read all information on all-wheel drive vehicles in this manual.
  • Make sure all underbody shields, if equipped, are properly attached.
  • Know the local laws that apply to off-road driving.

Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving

  • Unsecured cargo on the cargo area floor can tip over when driving off-road. You or your passengers may be struck by flying objects. Secure cargo properly.
  • Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. The heaviest items should be on the floor, forward of the rear axle.
  • Heavy loads on the roof raise the center of gravity of the vehicle, making it more likely to roll over. You may be seriously or fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. Place heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof.

For more information about vehicle loading, refer to Vehicle Load Limits.

Environmental Concerns

  • Always use established routes, roads, and areas that have been designated for off-road recreational driving, and obey all posted regulations.
  • Do not damage bushes, flowers, trees, or grasses, or disturb wildlife.
  • Do not park over things that can burn. Refer to Parking Over Things That Can Burn.

Driving on Hills

Safe driving on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what your vehicle can and cannot do.

Before driving on a slope, evaluate the steepness, traction, and obstacles. If the terrain ahead is not visible, get out of the vehicle and walk up the hill before driving further.

When driving on hills:

  • Use a low gear and maintain firm steering wheel control.
  • Maintain a slow speed.
  • Whenever possible, drive straight up or down the slope.
  • Slow down when approaching the crest of a hill.
  • Use headlights even during the day to make the vehicle more visible.
  • Never drive down a slope forward or backward with the shift lever in N (Neutral). The brakes may overheat and you may lose control.
  • When driving down a slope, keep the vehicle pointed straight down the hill. Use a low gear, because the engine will work as a brake to slow the vehicle and help keep it under control.

If the vehicle stalls on an uphill slope:

  1. Apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, then apply the parking brake.
  2. Shift to P (Park), then restart the engine.
    • If you are driving uphill when the vehicle stalls, shift to R (Reverse), release the parking brake, and back straight down the hill.
    • Never try to turn the vehicle around. If the slope is steep enough to stop the vehicle, it is steep enough to cause it to roll over.
    • If you cannot climb the hill, back straight down the hill.
    • Never go down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brakes. The vehicle may roll backward quickly and you may lose control.
    • If you are driving downhill when the vehicle stalls, shift to a low gear, release the parking brake, and drive straight down the slope.
  3. If the vehicle cannot be restarted after stopping, set the parking brake, shift to P (Park), and turn the engine off.
    1. Leave the vehicle and seek help.
    2. Stay away from the path the vehicle would take if it rolled down the hill.
  • Avoid turns that take the vehicle across the slope of a hill. A hill that can be driven straight up or down may be too steep to drive across. Driving across a slope increases the load on the downhill wheels, which may cause the vehicle to slide sideways down the slope or roll over.
  • Surface conditions can be a problem. Loose gravel, muddy spots, or even wet grass may cause the tires to slide sideways down the slope. If the vehicle slides sideways, it may strike an object or trip over something, such as a rock or rut, and roll over.
  • Hidden obstacles may make the slope steeper than it appears. If a rock is driven over with the uphill wheels, or if the downhill wheels drop into a rut or depression, the vehicle may tilt even more.
  • If you must drive across a slope and the vehicle begins to slide, steer downhill. This should help bring the vehicle back under control and prevent sideways sliding.

Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow, or Ice

Use a low gear when driving in mud. The deeper the mud, the lower the gear. Keep the vehicle moving to avoid getting stuck.

Changes in traction when driving on sand. On loose sand, such as on beaches or sand dunes, tires tend to sink into the sand. This affects steering, acceleration, and braking. Drive at a low speed and avoid sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.

Traction is reduced on packed snow and ice, and it is easy to lose control. Reduce vehicle speed when driving on packed snow and ice.

Driving in Water

If standing water is not too deep, drive through it slowly. At higher speed, water may enter the engine and cause it to stall. Stalling may occur if the exhaust pipe is under water. Do not turn off the ignition while driving through water. If the exhaust pipe is under water, the engine will not start. When driving through water, the brakes may get wet and it may take longer to stop. See Driving on Wet Roads.

After Off-Road Driving

Remove all brush or debris that has collected on the underbody or chassis or under the hood. These accumulations may be a fire hazard.

After driving in mud or sand, clean and inspect the brake pads. These substances may cause glazing and uneven braking. Inspect the body structure, steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust system for damage, and inspect the fuel lines and cooling system for leaks.

More frequent maintenance is required. See Maintenance Schedule.

Test yourself

A quick GMC Terrain quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.