For safe AWD operation

Before driving

  • Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.

  • Sit upright and closer to the steering wheel than usual. Adjust the steering wheel to a position comfortable for you to drive.

Driving on snow-covered or icy roads

  • Start off slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gently.

  • Use snow tires or tire chains.

  • Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

  • Use engine braking during deceleration.

  • Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent skids.

Driving in sand or mud

  • Maintain slow and constant speed.

  • Use tire chains driving in mud if necessary.

  • Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

  • Reduce vehicle speed and always check the road condition.

  • Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent getting stuck.

NOTE

When the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand or mud, place a non-slip material under the drive wheels to provide traction OR slowly spin the wheels in forward and reverse directions which causes a rocking motion that may free the vehicle. Refer to Rocking the vehicle for more details. However, avoid running the engine continuously at high rpm, which could damage the AWD system.

NOTE

  • When using Snow Tires, mount them on all four wheels.

  • When using Tire Chains, install them on all four tires. However, if you are in a situation to use only two tire chains, install them on the front tires. In this case, do not drive more than a short distance to prevent damage to the AWD system.

  • If tire chains must be used, install the tire chain after reviewing the instructions provided with the tire chains.

    For more information on Snow Tires and Tire Chains, refer to Winter driving.

Driving up or down hills

  • Driving uphill

    • Before starting off, check if it is possible to drive uphill.

    • Drive as straight as possible.

  • Driving downhill

    • Do not change gear while driving downhill. Select gear before driving downhill.

    • Drive slowly using engine braking while driving downhill.

    • Drive as straight as possible.

WARNING

Exercise extreme caution when driving up or down steep hills. The vehicle's tires could lose traction depending on the grade, terrain and water/mud conditions.