Preparing to drive

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility vehicles and trucks handle WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.

    See also:

    Parking brake
    WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, then driving the vehicle could result in reduced braking ability, increased stopping distances and ...

    Gauges
    Base instrument cluster shown in standard measure. Metric similar. Optional instrument cluster shown in standard measure. Metric similar. Speedometer: Indicates the current vehicle speed. Eng ...

    Brake/Clutch fluid
    Brake and clutch (if equipped) systems are supplied from the same reservoir. The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the brake components are replaced. Fluid levels ...