Cadillac XT4 2023 Owner's Manual page 172

Caution
Operating the vehicle for extended
periods without the front fascia lower air
dam installed can cause improper airflow
to the engine. Reattach the front fascia
air dam after off-road driving.
Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
Warning
Unsecured cargo on the load floor can
be tossed about when driving over
rough terrain. You or your passengers
can be struck by flying objects. Secure
the cargo properly.
Keep cargo in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible. The
heaviest things should be on the floor,
forward of the rear axle.
Heavy loads on the roof raise the
vehicle's centre of gravity, making it
more likely to roll over. You can be
seriously or fatally injured if the
vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads
inside the cargo area, not on the roof.
For more information about loading the
vehicle, see Vehicle Load Limits 0 176.
Environmental Concerns
Always use established trails, roads, and
areas that have been set aside for public
off-road recreational driving and obey all
posted regulations.
Do not damage shrubs, flowers, trees,
or grasses or disturb wildlife.
Do not park over things that burn. See
Parking over Things That Burn 0 185.
Driving on Hills
Driving safely on hills requires good
judgement and an understanding of what
the vehicle can and cannot do.
Warning
Many hills are simply too steep for any
vehicle. Driving up hills can cause the
vehicle to stall. Driving down hills can
cause loss of control. Driving across hills
can cause a rollover. You could be injured
or killed. Do not drive on steep hills.
Before driving on a hill, assess the
steepness, traction, and obstructions. If the
terrain ahead cannot be seen, get out of the
vehicle and walk the hill before driving
further.
Driving and Operating
When driving on hills:
Use a low gear and keep a firm grip on
the steering wheel.
Maintain a slow speed.
When possible, drive straight up or down
the hill.
Slow down when approaching the top of
the hill.
Warning
Driving to the top of a hill at high speed
can cause a collision. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even
another vehicle. You could be seriously
injured or killed. As you near the top of a
hill, slow down and stay alert.
Use headlamps even during the day to
make the vehicle more visible.
Never go downhill forward or backward
with the transmission in N (Neutral). The
brakes could overheat and you could lose
control.
When driving down a hill, keep the
vehicle headed straight down. Use a low
gear because the engine will work with
the brakes to slow the vehicle and help
keep the vehicle under control.
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