Driving In Fog; Driving In The Mountains - Maserati Quattroporte Automatic 2009 Owner's Manual

M139_UM_usa1.book Page 176 Monday, September 1, 2008 2:39 PM
– Heavy rain also substantially reduces
visibility. In these circumstances,
even during the day, turn on the low
beams, to be more visible to other
drivers.
– Position the air conditioning and
heating system controls for the
demisting function, in order to help
avoid any visibility problems.
– Periodically check the conditions of
the windshield wiper blades.

Driving in fog

If the fog is dense, avoid travelling
where possible.
When driving in mist, blanket fog or
5
when there is the possibility of banks
of fog:
– Keep a moderate speed.
– Even in the daytime, turn on the low
beams, the front and rear fog lights.
Do not use the high beams.
– Remember that fog creates
dampness on the asphalt and thus
any type of maneuver is more
difficult and braking distances are
extended.
– Keep a safe distance from the vehicle
in front of you.
– Avoid sudden changes in speed as
much as possible.
176
Driving conditions
– Whenever possible, avoid
overtaking.
– If you are forced to stop the vehicle
(breakdowns, impossibility of
proceeding due to poor visibility,
etc.), first of all, try to stop off of the
travel lane. Then turn on the hazard
warning lights and, if possible, the
low beams.
– Sound the horn rhythmically if you
hear another vehicle approaching.

Driving in the mountains

On downhill roads, use the engine
brake, engaging low gears so as not to
overheat the brakes.
– Never coast downhill with the
engine off or in neutral, and never
with the ignition key removed.
– Drive at a moderate speed, avoid
"cutting" corners.
– Remember that passing other
vehicles when driving uphill is slower
and thus requires more free distance
on the road. If you are being
overtaken on a hill, slow down and
allow the other vehicle to pass.
Driving on snow or ice
Below is some general advice for
driving in these conditions:
– Maintain a very moderate speed.
– Fit snow chains or specific tires if the
road is covered with snow: see the
chapters "Snow chains" and "Winter
tires" in this section.
– Mainly use the engine brake and
avoid sharp braking.
– It is recommended to activate the
"Low grip function" (see page 158).
– Avoid sudden acceleration and sharp
changes in direction.
– During the winter season, even
apparently dry roads can have icy
sections. Be careful when crossing
bridges, viaducts and roads that
have little exposure to the sun and
are bordered by trees and rocks.
They may be icy.
– Keep an ample safe distance from
the vehicles in front of you.