• Do not carry unnecessary weight in your
vehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
• Do not add unnecessary accessories
to the exterior of your vehicle, for
example running boards. If you use a
roof rack, remember to fold it down or
remove it when not in use.
• Do not shift into neutral when you are
braking or when your vehicle is slowing
down.
• Shut all windows when driving at high
speeds.
• Switch off all electric systems when
not in use, for example air conditioning.
Make sure that you unplug any
accessories from the auxiliary power
points when not in use.
DRIVING IN SPECIAL
CONDITIONS
DRIVING THROUGH MUD AND
WATER
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even all-wheel drive and four-wheel
drive vehicles can lose traction in mud. If
your vehicle slides, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of your
vehicle. After driving through mud, clean
off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess residue can cause an
imbalance that could damage drive
components.
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, it
could be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.
Water
If you must drive though water approach
it cautiously. See Driving Through
Shallow Water (page 262).
DRIVING ON HILLY OR SLOPING
TERRAIN
WARNING: Extreme care should
be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control.
Although natural obstacles could make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should try to drive
straight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you can use. Do not
drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do
not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power causes the
tires to slip, spin or lose traction, and you
could lose control of your vehicle. When
descending a steep hill, do not descend
the hill in neutral. Avoid sudden hard
braking to keep the front wheels rolling and
to maintain your vehicle's steering.
Note: Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brakes.
261
2024 Edge (CDQ) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202306, DOM
Driving Hints