Crossing A Stream; If You Get Stuck; 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles - Honda Element Owner's Manual

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Crossing a Stream

Avoid driving through deep water. If
you encounter water in your route (a
small stream or large puddle, for
example), evaluate it carefully before
going ahead. Make sure it is shallow,
flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the
depth or the ground, turn around and
find another route.
Driving through deep water can also
damage your vehicle. The water can
get into the transmission and
differential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can
also wash the grease out of the wheel
bearings.
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If You Get Stuck

Avoid driving on soft sand, deep
mud, or other surfaces where you
could get stuck. If you do happen to
get stuck because of inclement
weather or other conditions, choose
a safe and appropriate course of
action.
You should never use a jack to try
getting unstuck. A jack only works
on firm, level ground. Also, your
vehicle could easily slip off the jack
and hurt you or someone else.

4-Wheel Drive Vehicles

If you spin the wheels excessively
trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat the components of the 4-
wheel drive system. If this happens,
the 4-wheel drive system shuts off
and only the front wheels receive
power. At this point, you must stop
and allow everything to cool down.
The 4-wheel drive system will work
again after its temperature drops.
If you slip the clutch for a long time
while trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat and damage it.