For safe four-wheel drive operation
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Your vehicle allows you to drive in on road and off-road conditions.
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However, do not try to drive in deep standing water or mud, or over steep hills.
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When you are driving up or down hills, drive as close to straight up and down the hills as possible. Use extreme caution in going up or down steep hills, since you can flip your vehicle over depending on the grade, terrain and water/mud conditions.
Steep hills
Driving across the contour of steep hills can be extremely dangerous.
This danger can come from slight changes in the hill angle which can destabilize the vehicle. Even if the vehicle is maintaining stability under power, it can lose that stability if the vehicle may roll over without warning and without time for you to correct a mistake that could cause serious injury or death.
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You must learn how to corner in a 4WD vehicle as soon as possible. Do not rely on your experience in conventional 2WD vehicles in choosing a safe cornering speed. You must drive more slowly.
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Drive off-road carefully because your vehicle may be damaged by rocks or roots of trees. Become familiar with the off-road conditions you are going to drive before you start.
Turning corners
Reduce speed when you turn corners. The center of gravity of 4WD vehicles is raised higher than that of conventional 2WD vehicles, making them more likely to roll over when you turn corners too fast.
Do not grab inside of the steering wheel when you are driving off-road.
Your arm may be hurt by a sudden steering maneuver or from steering wheel rebound due to impact with objects on the ground. This may cause you to lose steering wheel control.
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Always hold the steering wheel firmly when you are driving offroad.
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Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
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Do not drive in water if the level is higher than the bottom of the wheel hubs.
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Check your brake condition once you are out of mud or water. Press the brake pedal several times as you move slowly until you feel normal braking forces return.
If you are driving in heavy wind, the vehicle’s higher center of gravity decreases your steering control capability and requires you to drive more slowly.
If you are driving too fast in water, the water spray can get into the engine compartment and wet the ignition system, causing your vehicle to suddenly stop. If this happens and your vehicle is in a tilted position, your vehicle may roll over.