Chevrolet 1998 Tracker Owner's Manual page 163

Controlling
your
vehicle is the key to successful
off-road driving. One of the best ways to control your
vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some things to
keep in mind. At higher speeds:
you approach things faster and you have less time to
scan the terrain for obstacles.
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you have less time to react.
you have more vehicle bounce when you drive
over obstacles.
you'll need more distance for braking, especially
since you're on an unpaved surface.
Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds of
terrain. You need to be familiar with the terrain and its
many different features. Here are some things to consider.
Surfiace Conditions. Off-roading can take you over
hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or
ice. Each of these surfaces affects the steering, acceleration
and braking of your vehicle in different ways. Depending
upon the kind of surface you are on, you may experience
slipping, sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration,
poor traction and longer braking distances.
Surface Obstacles. Unseen or hidden obstacles can be
hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut or bump can startle you if
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you're not prepared for them. Often these obstacles are
hidden by
grass,
bushes, snow or even the rise and fall of
the terrain itself. Here are some things to consider:
Is the path ahead clear?
When you're driving off-road, bouncing and
quick changes in direction can easily throw you
out of position. This could cause you to lose
Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
control and crash. So, whether you're driving on Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? (There's
or off the road, you and your passengers should more discussion of these subjects later.)
wear safety belts.
Will you have to stop suddenly or change
direction quickly?
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