Skoda YETI - 11-2009 Owner's Manual page 187

186 Driving and the Environment
– Do not shift gears or release the clutch during the climbing phase.
– Depress the accelerator only as much as is necessary in order to handle the slope.
If you can go no further on a slope
– Never attempt to make a turn with the vehicle on a hillside.
– If the engine cuts out, press the foot brake and restart the engine.
– Engage the reverse gear and carefully drive backwards in your own tracks.
– Press the foot brake in order to maintain a constant speed.
Driving downhill
– Switch on the Off-road mode ⇒ page 170.
– Shift into first gear or select the first driving stage, while in the Tiptronic mode, to
drive downhill on steep hillsides in order to use the Downhill Drive Support to its
maximum.
– Press the foot brake gently, so you do not lose the control over your vehicle.
– If it is feasible and safe, drive straight down (maximum gradient).
– Do not release the clutch or shift into Neutral.
WARNING
•
Never attempt to drive uphill or downhill if it is too steep for your vehicle.
The vehicle could slip or roll over - risk of accident!
•
Never attempt to make a turn on a hillside. The vehicle could tilt or roll over.
This can result in serious accidents.
•
If the engine cuts out on a slope or you can no longer go on for whatever
other reason, then stop!
•
Never let the vehicle roll down the hillside at idling speed. You can lose the
control over your vehicle.
•
If the engine cuts out, press the foot brake and restart the engine. Engage the
reverse gear and carefully drive backwards in your own tracks. Use the engine
braking power and press the foot brake in order to maintain a slow and
constant speed.
WARNING (continued)
•
Observe the important guidelines ⇒ page 180.
Driving at an angle on a hillside
Fig. 166 Steer and maintain your trajectory / in direction to exit - facing uphill
Driving at an angle on a hillside is one of the most dangerous situations while driving
off-road. It may look harmless, but you must never underestimate the difficulties and
the dangers when driving at an angle on a hillside. Basically you should avoid moving
your vehicle into a sideways position on a hillside. Under certain circumstances, the
vehicle can slide away uncontrollably or roll over.
Check before driving in a tilted position, whether there is a different and safer route. If
you have to drive in a tilted position, then the ground should be as firm and even as
possible. Note that the vehicle may slide sideways or sink in and roll over when driving
on slippery or soft ground. Make sure that the inclination is not too steep when driving
over surface irregularities. Otherwise, the vehicle can roll over and then roll down the
hillside.
If the vehicle is at a very steep angle, the wheels on the low side must not sink deeply
into the ground or into troughs and you must not drive over stones, tree stumps or
other obstructions with the alternate raised wheels.
If there is a risk your vehicle may tilt, steer immediately in direction of dip
and lightly depress the accelerator. The centre of gravity of the vehicle should be as low
as possible. Distribute the weight of all the occupants of the vehicle evenly. Taller and
heavier people should be seated on the raised side of the vehicle. The luggage on the
⇒ fig. 166