GMC 1995 Jimmy Owner's Manual page 166

Driving Guidelines
This multipurpose passenger vehicle is defined as a utility vehicle in
Consumer Information Regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the United States Department of
Transportation. Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and
a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of
off-road applications, Specific design characteristics give them a higher
center of gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of the higher ground
clearance is a better view of the road allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional
2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure
to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover.
Off-Road Driving with Your Four-wheel Drive Vehicle
This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel drive.
Also, see "Anti-Lock Brakes" in the Index.
If your vehicle doesn't have four-wheel drive, you shouldn't drive off-road
unless you're on a level, solid surface.
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've left the great North American road system
behind. Traffic lanes aren't marked. Curves aren't banked. There are no
road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or downhill.
In
short,
you've gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that's why it's very
important that you read this guide. You'll 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. Be sure you read
all the information about your four-wheel drive vehicle in this manual. 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'll be driving? If you don't 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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