All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

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

Occasional off-road use, such as on unpaved roads and trails, is acceptable. It is always important for the driver to slow down carefully to a speed that does not exceed the safe operating speed for such 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 challenging off-road conditions.
• Avoid high speeds when driving through curves or turns.
• Do not make quick steering movements, such as sudden lane changes or rapid, 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 paved surface and the driver turns to re-enter the road.
• If your vehicle leaves the paved surface, do not turn sharply. Instead, brake gently before steering back onto the road.

NOTICE

• Do not drive through water if the depth is higher than the bottom of the vehicle.
• Check the brakes once you have driven out of mud or water. Depress the brake pedal several times while driving slowly until you feel normal braking response.
• Shorten your maintenance interval if you drive in off-road conditions such as sand, mud, or water (see "Severe Service Maintenance" in Chapter 7).
• Always wash the vehicle thoroughly after driving off-road, especially the underbody.
• Be sure to equip the vehicle with four tires of the same size and type.
• Make sure a full-time AWD vehicle is transported on a flatbed truck.