All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system transmits engine torque to both the front and rear wheels for additional traction. AWD is useful when maximum traction is required on slippery, muddy, wet, or snowy roads.

Occasional off-road use, such as on unpaved gravel roads and trails, is acceptable. It is always important for the driver to carefully reduce speed to a level that does not exceed a safe operating speed for those conditions.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

• Do not operate the vehicle in conditions that exceed the vehicle's design, such as off-road conditions.
• Avoid high speeds in curves or turns.
• Do not make sudden steering movements, such as abrupt lane changes or quick, sharp turns.
• The risk of rollover greatly increases if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.
• Loss of control often occurs when two or more wheels leave the roadway and the driver overcorrects to re-enter the roadway.
• If your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down gradually before returning to the roadway.

NOTICE

• Do not drive through water if the depth is higher than the bottom of the vehicle.
• Check the brakes as soon as you have exited the mud or water. Depress the brake pedal several times while driving slowly until normal braking is restored.
• Reduce the scheduled maintenance interval if you drive in off-road conditions such as sand, mud, or water (refer to "Severe Duty Maintenance" in chapter 7).
• Always thoroughly wash the vehicle after off-road driving, especially the underbody.
• Make sure all four tires are the same size and type.
• Make sure the AWD vehicle is towed on a flatbed tow truck when towing the vehicle.