WARNING
Never try to drive crosswise on a slope, especially one that is too steep for your vehicle. The
vehicle could slide sideways and tumble down the slope. To reduce the risk of accidents and
serious injuries:
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Never underestimate the difficulties and dangers of driving crosswise on a slope. Never
take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot go on or
have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a different route.
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When driving crosswise on a hill, the vehicle can lose its hold, slide sideways, tip or turn
over and roll down the hill.
Make certain that the wheels on the downhill side of the vehicle do not run over holes or
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depressions. Make certain that the wheels on the high side of the vehicle do not run over
rocks, tree stumps, or protruding objects.
ꢀ Before driving crosswise on a hill, check whether it is possible to steer into the fall line
along the selected route. If this is not possible, select a different route. If the vehicle
threatens to tip, immediately steer downhill into the fall line and gently accelerate ⇒ꢀfig. 165.
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If the vehicle is stopped a hillside and is laterally tilted, avoid sudden and uncontrolled
movement in the vehicle The vehicle can lose its hold, slide sideways, tip, or turn over and
roll down the hill.
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If the vehicle is stopped at while pointed crosswise on a steep slope, make certain that no
one exits the vehicle through a door on the downhill side. This can shift the vehicle center of
gravity to the downhill side. The can tilt or roll over and roll down the hill. To help minimize
this risk, always exit the vehicle through the doors that are facing uphill ⇒ꢀfig. 166.
ꢀ When getting out, make certain that doors opened on the uphill side are not closed
carelessly and do not swing shut due to their own weight and injure anybody.
Avoiding deep ruts and depressions
ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Ruts are very common on forest trails, in grassland and fields, as well an on much-used cross-country
lanes.
If the ruts and depressions are firm and shallow, simply follow the ruts.
Do not drive in ruts and depressions that are too deep ⇒ꢀ
. If deep ruts and depressions cannot be
avoided, turn around.
NOTICE
If ruts and depressions become too deep, the vehicle underbody can bottom out and get stuck.
This can damage or even disable the vehicle.
Crossing ditches
ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
ꢀ Check whether the approach/departure angle and the lateral angle (tilt) are small enough to allow
the vehicle to cross the ditch.
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If possible, cross the ditch at an acute angle ⇒ꢀ
This is only possible if the lateral angle (side-to-side tilt) is not too large.
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