Driving tips

Driving on slippery roads

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On slippery road surfaces, drive at a lower speed than on dry roads, as the wheels may skid when braking. When driving on icy, snowy or muddy roads, reduce your speed and avoid rapid acceleration, sudden braking or abrupt steering movements.

For models with four-wheel drive (4WD): The 4WD vehicle is designed to provide better traction on slippery roads than models with two-wheel drive.

However, this vehicle does not have the traction capabilities in deep snow, mud or sand of a multi-purpose off-road vehicle.

Do not attempt to drive this vehicle in deep snow, mud or sand.

Snow chains

If it is necessary to use snow chains to improve traction, observe the following precautions:

  • Use genuine SUZUKI snow chains or equivalent chains with small links.
  • Choose a safe place away from traffic to fit the chains.
  • When fitting the chains, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly.
  • Fit the chains to the front wheels.
  • With chains fitted, drive only at low or moderate speed.

If the vehicle gets stuck

If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud or sand, follow the instructions below:

  1. Shift alternately between first and reverse gear. This creates a rocking motion that may build enough momentum to free the vehicle. Press the accelerator gently to minimize wheel spin. Release the accelerator pedal while shifting gears. Do not increase engine speed.

    Excessive wheel spin will dig the wheels in deeper, making it harder to free the vehicle.

  2. If the vehicle remains stuck after rocking for a few minutes, use another vehicle to pull it free.
WARNING Do not allow anyone to stand near the vehicle while you are rocking it, and do not let the wheels spin faster than 40 km/h on the speedometer. Excessive wheel speed may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. NOTICE Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. Rocking for too long may overheat the engine or damage the transmission. WARNING In addition to following the instructions in this section, it is important to observe the following precautions.
  • Make sure the tyres are in good condition and always keep the tyre pressures to the specification. See the "Tyres" subsection in the "Maintenance and Service" section for details.
  • Do not use tyres other than those recommended by SUZUKI. Never use different sizes or types of tyres on the front and rear wheels. Information on recommended tyres can be found in the "Specifications" section.
  • Never use larger tyres, special shock absorbers or springs to raise the body. This will change the vehicle's handling characteristics.
  • After driving through water, check the brakes by driving slowly to confirm that they have normal effectiveness. If the brakes are less effective than usual, dry them by applying them repeatedly while driving slowly, until they regain full effectiveness.

Test yourself

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