Off - Road Driving With Your; Four - Wheel - Drive Vehicle - GMC Sonoma 2001 Owner's Manual

Off Road Driving with Your
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Four Wheel Drive Vehicle
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This off road guide is for vehicles that have
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four wheel drive.
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Also, see "Anti Lock Brakes" in the Index.
If your vehicle doesn't have four
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shouldn't drive off road unless you're on a level,
solid surface.
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road driving can be great fun. But it does have
Off
some definite hazards. The greatest of these is the
terrain itself.
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"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.
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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
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make your off road driving safer and more enjoyable.
4-14
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wheel drive, you
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
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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
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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.
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
There are some important things to remember about
how to load your vehicle.
D
The heaviest things should be on the load floor and
forward of your rear axle. Put heavier items as far
forward as you can.
D
Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on
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the off road terrain doesn't toss things around.