Get DRIVING TIPS Guide for Suzuki Jimny SUV Fourth Generation (2018-2026)

DRIVING TIPS

Important Vehicle Desi

On-Paved Road Drivin gn Features to Know ................... 4-

0ff-Road Driving g ······································ ·

4

;

Runnin.g-in .......... :::::::::::······································::::::::::::::::

4

:.i

Catalytic converter ........ ::::·················································· 4-8

~p~ovmg fuel economy . ·················································· 4-9

o:g,·v·way driving .............. :··················································· 4-10 Ill

mg on hills ···································· 4 10

............... ····································::::::::::::::: 4:11

60G409

DRIVING TIPS

52D078

A WARNING

Fasten your seat belts at all times.

Even though airbags are equipped

at the front seating positions, the

driver and all passengers should

be properly restrained at all times,

using the seat belts provided. Refer

to "Seat belts and child restraint

systems" section for instructions

on proper use of the seat belts.

Never drive under the influence of

alcohol or other drugs. Alcohol and

drugs can seriously impair your

ability to drive safely, greatly

increasing the risk of injury to

yourself and others. You should

also avoid driving when you are

tyred, sick, irritated or under

stress.

4-1

Important Vehicle Design

Features to Know

A WARNING

Your multipurpose vehicle has han-

dling characteristics that differ from

those of a conventional passenger

car. For the safety of you and your

passengers, please read the follow-

ing section very carefully.

Multipurpose vehicles such as your new

SUZUKI have higher ground clearance

and a narrower track than conventional

passenger cars, to make them capable of

performing in a wide variety of off-road

applications. Specific design characteris-

tics give them a higher center of gravity

than ordinary cars. An advantage of the

higher ground clearance is a better view of

the road allowing you to anticipate prob-

lems. They are not designed for cornering

at the same speed as conventional pas-

senger cars any more than low-slung

sports cars are designed to perform satis-

factorily under off-road conditions. If at all

possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt

maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this

type, failure to operate this vehicle cor-

rectly may result in loss of control or vehi-

cle rollover. Multipurpose vehicles have a

significantly higher rollover rate than other

types of vehicles. In a rollover collision, an

unbelted person is significantly more likely

to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

Important Differences Between

Your Multipurpose Vehicle and

Ordinary Passenger Cars

Higher Ground Clearance

The higher ground clearance of your vehi-

cle enables it to clear off-road obstacles,

such as rocks and tree stumps, that ordi-

nary passenger cars cannot drive over. An

unavoidable result of this higher ground

clearance is that the vehicle also has a

higher center of gravity. Consequently,

your vehicle will handle differently than a

vehicle with a lower center of gravity.

Shorter Wheelbase

Along with its higher ground clearance,

your vehicle has a shorter wheelbase and

shorter front and rear overhangs than the

typical passenger car. These features

combine to allow you to drive your vehicle

over hillcrests without hanging up on them

or damaging the frame and chassis com-

ponents. The shorter wheelbase also

makes the steering of your vehicle more

responsive than that of vehicles with lon-

ger wheelbases.

Narrower Body Width and Track

Your vehicle is narrower than the average

passenger car so that it can pass through

tight spaces. Without the essential charac-

teristics described above: higher ground

clearance, shorter wheelbase, and nar-

rower body width and track -your vehicle

could not provide you with excellent off-

road driving performance. However, it is

also true that on-road driving, handling,

and steering will be different from what

drivers experience with a conventional

passenger car.

On-Paved Road Driving

The data of accidents show that most roll-

over accidents for multi-purpose vehicles

are caused when a driver loses control of

the vehicle and leaves the paved portion of

the roadway striking a ditch, curb or other

off-road object that causes the vehicle to

overturn. The following driving practices

may reduce the risk of rollover.

Vehicle Slides Off-Road

You can reduce the risk of this kind of roll-

over accident by always keeping the vehi-

cle under control. Typically, drivers lose

control of vehicles, often resulting in roll-

over accidents, when the driver is impaired

because of alcohol or other drugs, falls

asleep at the wheel or is otherwise inatten-

tive, or is driving too fast for the road con-

ditions.

DRIVING TIPS

Rollovers On the Roadway

If, for any reason, your vehicle slides side-

ways or spins out of control at highway

speeds, while on the paved portion of the

roadway, the risk of rollover is greatly

increased. This condition can be created

when two or more wheels drop off onto the

shoulder and you steer sharply in an

attempt to reenter the roadway. To reduce

the risk of rollover in these circumstances,

if conditions permit, you should hold the

steering wheel firmly and slow down

before pulling back into the travel lanes

with controlled steering movements.

All Types of Rollover Accidents

· As with many kinds of automobile acci-

dents, rollovers can be greatly reduced by

doing what all prudent drivers should do,

i.e., don't drink and drive, don't drive when

tired and don't do anything behind the

wheel that could cause a loss of attention

to the driving task.

Additional guidelines are set out below for

your on-road driving.

4-2

DRIVING TIPS

Know Your Vehicle

Take time to familiarize yourself with the

unique handling characteristics of your

vehicle by first driving around in an area

away from traffic. Practice turning the vehi-

cle at a variety of speeds and in different

directions. Get a feel for the greater steer-

ing response that your vehicle has over a

conventional car.

Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times

The driver and all passengers should be

properly restrained at all times, using the

seat belts provided. Refer to the "SEAT

BELTS" section for instructions on proper

use of the seat belts.

Don't Make Sharp Turns

As mentioned before, small multipurpose

vehicles have specific design characteris-

tics that allow them to perform in a wide

variety of applications. These characteris-

tics also change the cornering behavior

relative to conventional passenger cars.

Remember, small multipurpose vehicles

have more responsive steering and a

higher center of gravity than conventional

passenger cars. If at all possible, avoid

making sharp turns in your vehicle.

4-3

Slow Down on Curves

Learn to approach curves cautiously and

at a conservative speed. Do not attempt to

take curves at the same speeds that you

would in a vehicle with a lower center of

gravity. Just as you would not drive a

sports car on a trail, you should not

attempt to drive your vehicle around

curves like a sports car.

Slow Down and Use Caution on

Slippery Roads

60G089A

Under wet road conditions you should

drive at a lower speed than on dry roads

due to possible slippage of tyres during

braking. When driving on icy, snow-cov-

ered, or muddy roads, reduce your speed

and avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt

braking, or sharp steering movements.

Use 4-wheel drive high range (4H) for bet-

ter traction.

NOTICE

Never operate your vehicle in

11

4H" or

11

4L

11

on dry pavement and, as much

as possible, avoid using

11

4H" or

11

4L"

on wet pavement, as this puts severe

stress on the drive train, especially

during tight cornering, and can d~m-

age it. Also, you may have some d1ff1~

culty in steering.

Off-Road Driving

Your vehicle has specific design character-

istics for off-road driving. When you leave

the paved road, you will encounter driving

surfaces of all kinds which may change

continually as you drive. In most cases, off-

road driving requires the use of 4-wheel

drive.

Use Caution on Steep Inclines

Always inspect hills before you attempt to

drive up them. Know what is on the other

side and how you will get back down. If

you have any doubt that it. is safe, do not

attempt to drive over a hill. Nev".r d_nve

your vehicle up an extremely steep incline.

Coming down a steep hill can be trickier

than getting up one. Keep the vehicle

heading straight down the hill and use low

gear. Do not lock the brake~. If the vehicle

begins to slide, accelerate slightly to regain

steering control.

DRIVING TIPS

Do not Drive Across the Side of

Hills

Driving across the side of a hill can be

extremely hazardous. Most of the vehicle'.s

weight will be transferred to the downhill

tyres, which could result in the vehicle roll-

ing sideways. Whenever possible, avoid

this potential hazard. Also, 1f you have to

exit your vehicle on a side-hill, always get

out on the uphill side.

Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times

You and your passengers should use the

seat belts at all times when driving off-

road. For proper seat belt use, refer to the

"Seat Belts" section in this manual.

Avoid Sudden Reactions in Mud,

Ice, or Snow

Be careful when off-road conditions are

slippery. Reduce your speed and avoid

sudden movements of the vehicle. Be

aware that driving in deep snow or mud

can cause a loss of traction and an

increase in the resistance to the vehicle's

forward motion. Use 4WD low gear (4L)

and maintain a steady but moderate speed

with a light touch on the steering wheel

and brakes.

4-4

DRIVING TIPS

Snow chains

Snow chains should only be used if they

are needed to increase traction or are

required by law. Check that the chains you

use are the correct size for your vehicle's

tyres.

Also check that there is enough clearance

between the fenders and the chains as

installed on the tyres.

Install the chains on the rear tyres tightly,

according to the chain manufacturer's

instructions. Retighten the chains after

driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-

sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.

NOTICE

If you hear the chains hitting against

the vehicle body while driving, stop

and tighten them.

4-5

Do not drive in the field covered

with grown grass

If you drive in the field covered with grass,

it may cause accident or vehicle damage

by getting caught in grown grass.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck

If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud, or

sand, follow the directions below:

1) Shift the transfer shift lever into the "4L"

position.

2) Shift the transmission back and forth

between a forward range (or first gear

for manual transmission) and reverse.

This will create a rocking motion which

may give you enough momentum to

free the vehicle. Press gently on the

accelerator to keep wheel spin to a min-

imum. Remove your foot from the

accelerator while shifting.

Do not race the engine. Excessive

wheel spin will cause the tyres to dig

deeper, making it more difficult to free

the vehicle.

3) If your vehicle remains stuck after a few

minutes of rocking, get another vehicle

to pull you out.

A WARNING

Do not allow anyone to stand near

the vehicle when you are rocking it,

and do not spin the wheels faster

than an indicated 40 km/h (25 mph)

on the speedometer. Personal injury

and/or vehicle damage may result

from spinning the wheels too fast.

NOTICE

• Release the accelerator pedal when

operating the gearshift lever or the

transfer lever. Operating the gear-

shift lever or the transfer lever with

the engine racing can damage the

gears and the free axle mechanism.

• Do not continue rocking the vehicle

for more than a few minutes. Pro-

longed rocking can cause engine

overheating, transmission, trans-

fer case, axles, propeller shaft or

differential damage, or tyre dam-

age.

A WARNING

In addition to following the driving

tips in this section, it is important to

observe the following precautions.

• Check that your tyres are in good

condition and always maintain the

specified tyre pressure. Refer to

"Tyres" in "INSPECTION AND

MAINTENANCE" section for

details.

(Continued)

A WARNING

(Continued)

Do not use tyres other than those

specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif-

ferent sizes or types of tyres on the

front and rear wheels. For informa-

tion regarding the specified tyres,

refer to the tyre information label

located on the driver's door lock

pillar.

Never use oversized tyres or spe~

cial shock absorbers and springs

to raise uack up) your vehicle. This

will change the handling character-

istics. Oversized tyres may also

rub against the fender over bumps,

causing vehicle damage, drive train

damage or tyre failure.

After driving through water, test the

brakes while driving at a slow

speed to see if they have main-

tained their normal effectiveness. If

the brakes are less effective than

normal, dry them by repeatedly

applying the brakes while driving

slowly until the brakes have

regained their normal effective-

ness.

DRIVING TIPS

When encountering a flooded area

80J042

Avoid driving in a flooded area or a deep

puddle. If driving in a flooded area is

unavoidable, go slowly in the lowest gear.

In case that you have driven in a flooded

area, stop the vehicle in a safe place while

checking the brake effectiveness. Then,

ask a SUZUKI dealer or a qualified work-

shop to check the following inspection

items.

Function of brake

Function of electrical components

Changes of oil level and quality for

engine, transmission and differential. In

case that the oil is turbid whitely, water

has been mixed in the oil and an oil

change is required.

Lubricant condition of the bearings, sus-

pension joints, etc.

4-6

DRIVING TIPS

NOTICE

Avoid driving in a flooded area or a

deep puddle. It may cause an engine

stall, short in electrical components,

engine and transmission damages,

etc.

4-7

Do not drive through deep or rush-

ing water

Driving in deep or rushing water can be

hazardous. You could lose control of the

vehicle and the occupants could drown.

Also, your vehicle could be seriously dam-

aged. To avoid these risks, observe the

following instructions and precautions.

Do not drive through deep or rushing

water. Deep or rushing water, such as

fast-moving streams or fioodwaters,

could carry your vehicle away from your

intended path. The water is too deep if it

covers your wheel hubs, axles, or

exhaust tailpipe. Know the depth of the

water before you attempt to drive

through it.

If the vehicle goes across the river

unavoidably, follow the instructions below

before going across the river.

1) Confirm the depth of the river and the

terrain.

2) Select the place which is less than

30cm (11.8 inch) in depth of water. Go

across the river to a right angle for the

river or lower part of the river

3) Drive slowly at less than 5 km/h (3.1

mph) not to raise the wave and go

across the river immediately to avoid

operating the gearshift lever.

If the vehicle goes across the river that is

more than 30 cm (11.8 inch) in depth of

water unavoidably, stop the vehicle in a

safe place while checking the brake effec-

tiveness. Then, ask a SUZUKI dealer or a

qualified workshop to check the following

inspection items.

Function of brake

Function of electrical components

Changes of oil level and quality for

engine, transmission and differential. In

case that the oil is turbid whitely, water

has been mixed in the oil and an oil

change is required.

Lubricant condition of the bearings, sus-

pension joints, etc.

If water blocks the tailpipe, the engine

may not start or run. If the water is deep

enough to get drawn into the engine

intake system, the engine will be badly

damaged.

Submerged brakes will have poor brak-

ing performance. Drive slowly and care-

fully. Driving slowly will also help avoid

water splashing onto the ignition system,

which could cause the engine to stall.

Even when driving through shallow or

still waters, drive carefully since the

water may be hiding ground hazards

such as holes, ditches, or bumps.

A WARNING

In addition to following the driving

tips in this section, it is important to

observe the following precautions for

on-road and off-road driving.

Driver and passengers should wear

seat belts at all times.

Do not let anyone else drive your

vehicle unless they are also aware

of the vehicle characteristics and

handling differences described in

this section.

Avoid loaning your vehicle to any•

one unless you accompany them.

Make sure your tyres are in good

condition and always maintain the

specified tyre pressure. Refer to

"Tyres" in the "INSPECTION AND

MAINTENANCE" section for

details.

Do not use tyres other than those

specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif•

ferent sizes or types of tyres on the

front and rear wheels. For informa•

lion regarding the specified tyres,

refer to the "SPECIFICATIONS"

section.

Never use oversized tyres or spe-

cial shock absorbers and springs

to raise uack up) your vehicle. This

will raise the center of gravity of

the vehicle and change its handling

characteristics.

(Continued)

A WARNING

(Continued)

After driving through water, mud,

or sandy ground, test the brakes

while driving at a slow speed to see

if they have maintained their nor•

mal effectiveness. If the brakes are

less effective than normal, dry

them by repeatedly applying the

brakes while driving slowly until

the brakes have regained their nor•

mal effectiveness.

After extended operation in mud,

sand, or water, have the brakes,

bearings and joint parts etc.

inspected by a SUZUKI dealer as

soon as possible.

DRIVING TIPS

Running-in

NOTICE

The future performance and reliabil•

ity of the engine depends on the care

and restraint exercised during its

early life. It is especially important to

observe the following precautions

during the first 960 km (600 miles) of

vehicle operation.

• After starting, do not race the

engine. Warm ii up gradually.

• Avoid prolonged vehicle operation

at a constant speed. Moving parts

will break in better if you vary your

speed.

Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid

full throttle starts.

Avoid hard braking, especially

during the first 320 km (200 miles)

of driving.

Do not drive slowly with the !rans•

mission in a high gear.

Drive the vehicle at moderate

engine speeds.

Do not tow a trailer during the first

960 km (600 miles) of vehicle oper•

ation.

4-8

DRIVING TIPS

Catalytic converter

78RB04003

The purpose of the catalytic converter is to

minimize the amount of harmful pollutants

in your vehicle's exhaust. Use of lead".d

fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic

converters is prohibited, because lead

deactivates the pollutant-reducing compo-

nents of the catalyst system.

The converter is designed to last the life of

the vehicle under normal usage and when

unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-

nance is required on the converter. How-

ever, it is very important to keep the engine

properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which can

result from an improperly tuned engine,

may cause overheating of the catalytic

converter. This may result in permanent

4-9

heat damage to the catalytic converter and

other vehicle components.

NOTICE

To mm,m,ze the possibility of cata-

lytic converter or other vehicle dam-

age:

• Maintain the engine in the proper

operating condition.

In the event of an engine malfunc-

tion, particularly one involving

engine misfire or other apparent

loss of performance, have the vehi-

cle serviced promptly.

• Do not turn off the engine or inter-

rupt the ignition when the t(ans~i~-

sion is in gear and the vehicle 1s m

motion.

Do not try to start the engine by

pushing or towing the vehicle, or

coasting down a hill.

Do not idle the engine with any

spark plug wires disconnected or

removed, such as during diagnos-

tic testing.

• Do not idle the vehicle for pro-

longed periods if idling seems

rough or there are other malfunc-

tions.

Do not allow the fuel tank to get

near the empty level.

A. WARNING

Be careful where you park and drive;

the catalytic converter and other

exhaust components can get very

hot. As with any vehicle, do not park

or operate this vehicle in areas where

combustible materials such as dry

grass or leaves can come in contact

with a hot exhaust system.

Improving fuel economy

The following instructions will help you

improve fuel economy.

Avoid excessive idling

If you park your vehicle for more than one

minute, stop the engine and start it again

later. When warming up a cold engine, do

not allow the engine to idle or apply full

throttle until the engine has reached oper-

ating temperature. Allow the engine to

warm up by driving.

Avoid fast starts

F~st starts away from lights or stop signs

will consume fuel unnecessarily and

shorten engine life. Start off slowly.

Avoid unnecessary stops

Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-

ping. Try to maintain a moderate, steady

speed whenever possible. Slowing down

and then accelerating again uses more

fuel.

Keep a steady cruising speed

Drive at a constant speed that road and

traffic conditions will permit.

Keep the air cleaner clean

EXAMPLE

60A183

If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there

will be greater intake resistance, resulting

m decreased power output and increased

fuel consumption.

Keep weight to a minimum

The heavier the load is, the more fuel the

vehicle consumes. Unload any unneces-

sary luggage or cargo.

Keep tyre pressures correct

Under-infiation of the tyres can waste fuel

due to increased rolling resistance of the

tyres. Keep your tyres infiated to the cor-

rect pressure shown in the label on driver's

door lock pillar.

DRIVING TIPS

Highway driving

When driving at highway speeds, pay

attention to the following:

• Stopping distance progressively

increases with vehicle speed. Apply the

brakes far enough ahead of the stopping

prnnt to allow for the extra stopping dis-

tance.

On rainy days, hydroplaning can occur.

Hydroplaning is the loss of direct contact

between the road surface and the vehi-

cle's tyres due to a water film forming

between them. Steering or braking the

vehicle during hydroplaning can be very

difficult, and loss of control can occur.

Keep speed down when the road sur-

face is wet.

At high speeds, the vehicle may be

affected by side winds. Therefore,

reduce speed and be prepared for unex-

pected buffeting, which can occur at the

exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut

of a hill, or when being overtaken by

large vehicles, etc.

4-10

DRIVING TIPS

Driving on hills

Manual transmission

78RB04002

Automatic transmission

78RB04001

4-11

When driving on steep hills, the vehicle

may begin to slow down and show a lack

of power. If this happens, you should

shift to a lower gear so that the engine

will again be operating in its higher

power range. Shift rapidly to prevent the

vehicle from losing momentum.

When driving down a hill, the engine

should be used for braking by shifting to

the next lower gear.

A WARNING

Do not hold the brake pedal down too

long or too often while going down a

steep or long hill. This could cause

the brakes to overheat, resulting in

reduced braking efficiency. Failure to

take this precaution could result in

loss of vehicle control.

NOTICE

When descending a downhill, Never

turn the ignition key to "LOCK" posiM

lion. Emission control system and

automatic transmission damage may

result.

DRIVING TIPS for Your Suzuki Jimny SUV Fourth Generation (2018-2026)

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