Safe Use of 4WD Mode

Before Driving

• Make sure all passengers are wearing their seat belts.
• Sit upright, closer to the steering wheel than usual. Adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable driving position.

Driving on Icy or Snowy Roads

• Start slowly by gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
• Use winter tires or tire chains.
• Maintain a sufficient safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
• Use engine braking to reduce speed.
• Avoid excessive speed, rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and sharp turns to prevent skidding.

Driving on Sand or Mud

• Keep a low and steady speed.
• If necessary, use chains when driving through mud.
• Maintain a sufficient safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
• Reduce speed and always check road conditions.
• Avoid excessive speed, rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and sharp turns so you do not get stuck.

WARNING

If the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand, or mud, place non-slip material under the drive wheels to provide traction, or gently rock the wheels forward and backward to free the vehicle.

However, avoid running the engine at high speed continuously to prevent damage to the 4WD system.

Driving Uphill or Downhill

• Driving Uphill
  - Check in advance whether your vehicle can climb the hill.
  - Drive as straight as possible.
• Driving Downhill
  - Do not shift gears while descending. Select a low gear.
  - Move slowly, using engine braking while descending.
  - Drive as straight as possible.

WARNING

Use extreme caution when driving on steep slopes or steep banks. Depending on altitude, terrain, and surface (water and/or mud), the vehicle may roll over.

WARNING

Do not drive too close to the edges of steep hills. A slight change in wheel angle or a loss of traction may destabilize the vehicle. Rolling over your vehicle may result in serious injury or death.

Driving in Water

• Avoid driving through deep standing water. This could cause the engine to stop and the exhaust pipes to become clogged.
• If you must drive through water, stop the vehicle, turn on 4WD LOCK mode, and drive at a speed below 8 km/h.
• Do not shift gears in water.

WARNING

Always drive slowly through water. If you drive too fast, water may enter the engine compartment and reach the ignition system, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly.

Other Driving Conditions

• Check off-road conditions before setting out.
• Always be attentive when driving off-road and avoid hazardous areas.
• Drive slowly in strong winds.
• Brake when turning. The center of gravity of a 4WD vehicle is higher than that of conventional 2WD vehicles, which increases the risk of rollover when turning too fast.

• Always hold the steering wheel firmly when driving off-road.

WARNING

Do not hold the steering wheel from the inside when driving off-road. You may injure your hand due to sudden steering wheel movement or steering wheel kickback when striking objects on the ground. You may lose control of the vehicle and suffer serious injury or death.