Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Off Paved Roads - GMC 2005 Sierra Denali Owner's Manual

Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicle Off Paved Roads
If your vehicle has 20-inch tire/wheel assemblies, you
should not drive off-road unless you are on a level, solid
surface. See Tires on page 5-56.
Many of the same design features that help make your
vehicle responsive on paved roads during poor
weather conditions — features like the locking rear axle
and all-wheel drive — help make it much better
suited for off-road use than a conventional passenger
car. Its higher ground clearance also helps your vehicle
step over some off-road obstacles. But your vehicle
does not have features like special underbody shielding
and a transfer case low gear range, things that are
usually thought necessary for extended or severe
off-road service. This guide is for operating your vehicle
off paved roads.
Also, see Braking on page 4-5.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have
some definite hazards. The greatest of these is
the terrain itself.
"Off-roading" means you have left the great North
American road system behind. Traffic lanes are not
marked. Curves are not banked. There are no
road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or
downhill. In short, you have gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that
is why it is very important that you read this guide. You
will find many driving tips and suggestions. These
will help make your off-road driving safer and more
enjoyable.
Before You Go Off-Roading
There are some things to do before you go out. For
example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance
and service work done. Check to make sure all
underbody shields (if so equipped) are properly
attached. Is there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fully
inflated? Are the fluid levels up where they should be?
What are the local laws that apply to off-roading
where you will be driving? If you do not know, you
should check with law enforcement people in the area.
Will you be on someone's private land? If so, be
sure to get the necessary permission.
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