Get DRIVING TIPS -> Driving on hills Guide for Suzuki Vitara SUV 2020

DRIVING TIPS

Keep the air cleaner clean

EXAMPLE

Highway driving

Driving on hills

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

point 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 tires 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.

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60A183S

• When climbing 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 normal

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.

If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there

will be greater intake resistance, resulting

in 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 tire pressures correct

Under-inflation of the tires can waste fuel

due to increased running resistance of the

tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct

pressure shown on the label on the driver’s

side door or the driver’s door lock pillar.

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DRIVING TIPS

models are not sport/utility vehicles, and

are not designed for off-road use.

Driving on slippery roads

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.

Tire chains

Tire 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 tires.

Also check that there is enough clearance

between the fenders and the chains as

installed on the tires.

NOTICE

Install the chains on the front tires 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.

When descending a downhill, Never

turn the ignition key to “LOCK” posi-

tion or press the engine switch to

change the ignition mode to “LOCK”

(OFF). Emission control system dam-

age may result.

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On wet roads, you should drive at a lower

speed than you do on dry roads due to

possible slippage of tires during braking.

When driving on icy, snow-covered or

muddy roads, reduce your speed and

avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt braking,

or sharp steering movements.

NOTICE

• If you hear the chains hitting

against the vehicle body while driv-

ing, stop and tighten them.

• If your vehicle is equipped with full

wheel caps, remove the wheel caps

before installing the chains or the

wheel caps can be damaged by the

chain bands.

Four-mode 4WD models

Your four-mode 4WD is designed to get

better traction on slippery roads than 2-

wheel drive models. However, your four-

mode 4WD will not have as much traction

in deep snow, mud or sand as multipur-

pose 4WD vehicles. You should not

attempt to drive your four-mode 4WD in

deep snow, mud or sand. Four-mode 4WD

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DRIVING TIPS -> Driving on hills for Your Suzuki Vitara SUV 2020

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