GMC 1999 Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual page 213

has an effect on steering, accelerating, and braking. You may want to reduce
the air pressure in your tires slightly when driving on sand. This will improve
traction.
Hard packed snow and ice offer the worst tire traction. On these surfaces, it's
very easy to lose control. On wet ice, for example, the traction is so poor
that you will have difficulty accelerating. And if you do get moving, poor
steering and difficult braking can cause you to slide out of control.
I
A
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds or rivers can be dangerous.
I
Underwater springs, currents under the ice, or sudden thaws can
weaken the ice. Your vehicle could fall through the ice and you and
your passengers could drown. Drive your vehicle on safe surfaces
on I y.
.
Driving In Water
Light rain causes no special off-road driving problems. But heavy rain can
mean flash flooding, and flood waters demand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before you drive through
it.
If it's deep
enough to cover your wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust pipe, don't try it-you
probably won't get through. Also, water that deep can damage your axle and
other vehicle parts.
If the water isn't too deep, then drive through it slowly. At fast speeds, water
splashes on your ignition system and your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also
occur if you get your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your tailpipe is
under water, you'll never be able to start your engine. When you go through
water, remember that when your brakes get wet, it may take you longer to
stop.
Driving through rushing water can be dangerous. Deep water can
sweep your vehicle downstream and you and your passengers could
drown. If it's only inches deep, it can still wash away the ground
from under your tires, and you could lose traction and roll the vehicle
over. Don't drive throuah rushina water.
I
If
you have a diesel engine, see "Driving Through Water (Diesel Engines)" in
the Index for more information on driving through water.
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