Can-Am DEFENDER MAX Series 2021 Operator's Manual page 25

Crossing Roads
If you have to cross a road, ensure to
have complete visibility on both sides
for incoming traffic and decide on exit
point on other side of road. Drive in
a straight line toward that point. Do
not make sharp direction changes or
abrupt accelerations as it may result
in a rollover situation. Do not travel on
sidewalks or bicycle trails as they are
designated specifically for those uses.
Riding on Paved Surfaces
Avoid paved surfaces. This vehicle is
not designed to operate on paved sur-
faces and is more likely to roll over.
If you must drive on pavement, turn
gradually, go slowly, and avoid abrupt
acceleration and braking.
Shallow Water Crossing
Water can be a unique hazard. If it is
too deep the vehicle may "float" and
topple. Check the water depth and cur-
rent before you attempt to cross any
water. Water depth should not exceed
30 cm (12 in) for vehicle to safely cross
the obstacle. Beware of slippery sur-
faces such as rocks, grass, logs, etc.,
both in the water and on its banks. A
loss of traction may occur. Do not at-
tempt to enter the water at high speed.
Water will affect the braking ability of
your vehicle. Make sure you dry the
brakes by applying them several times
after the vehicle leaves the water.
Mud or marsh lands may be encoun-
tered near water. Be prepared for sud-
den "holes" or changes in depth. Sim-
ilarly so, be watchful of hazards such
as rocks, logs, etc., partially covered by
vegetation.
Riding on Snow or Ice
When performing pre-ride inspection,
pay special attention to locations on
the vehicle where snow and/or ice ac-
cumulations may obstruct visibility of
the tail lamp, clog ventilation openings,
block the radiator and fan, and interfere
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SAFETY INFORMATION
with the movement of controls. Be-
fore starting with your vehicle, check
the steering, accelerator and brake
pedals for interference free operation.
Whenever this vehicle is ridden on a
snow covered drive path, the tire grip
is generally reduced causing the ve-
hicle to react differently to control in-
puts from the operator. On low grip
surfaces, the steering responses are
not as crisp and precise, stopping dis-
tances are lengthened and accelera-
tion is also affected. Slow down and
do not "gun" the accelerator. This will
only result in spinning of the tires and
possibly in an over steering slide of the
vehicle. Avoid hard braking. This will
possibly result in a straight line slide of
the vehicle. Again, the best advice is to
safely reduce speed in anticipation of
a maneuver to give yourself time and
distance in order to keep control of the
vehicle.
As you drive your vehicle over a loose
snow covered surface, snow dust will
be picked up in the wake turbulence
of the moving vehicle and transported
to contact and accumulate or melt on
some exposed components including
rotating parts like brake discs. Water,
snow or ice may affect the response
time of the brake system of your vehi-
cle. Even when not required to reduce
vehicle speed apply brakes frequently
to prevent ice or snow accumulation
and to dry brake pads and discs. While
doing so in low risk driving situations
you will test for grip level and keep
yourself alerted to how the vehicle re-
acts to your control inputs. Always
keep brake and accelerator pedals and
floor boards free of snow and ice. Fre-
quently wipe snow off seat, steering
wheel, headlights and tail lamps.
The depth of the snow cover may hide
rocks, tree stumps or other objects and
if it is wet may totally impede the driv-
ability as the vehicle becomes bogged
down or completely looses traction in
slushy snow. Look far ahead and al-
ways be watchful of any visible clues
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RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
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