Arctic Cat 2012 Prowler XT Operator's Manual page 22

Vehicle Operation
2. Release the parking brake; then
release the foot brake pedal and press
the accelerator to slowly add power to
start moving.
3. To slow down or stop, release the
accelerator and press the foot brake
pedal as necessary to slow or stop the
vehicle.
Braking/Stopping
Always allow plenty of room and time to
stop smoothly. Sometimes quick stops
are inevitable, so always be prepared.
Whether you're stopping slowly or stop-
ping quickly, do this:
1. Release the accelerator; then press the
foot brake pedal to apply the brake.
2. If the wheels lock, release them for a
second; then apply them again. On
surfaces such as ice, mud, or loose
gravel, pump the brake pedal rapidly.
3. Never "ride" the brake. Even main-
taining minimal pressure on the brake
pedal will cause the brake pads to
drag on the disc and may overheat the
brake fluid.
! WARNING
Excessive repetitive
hydraulic brake for high speed stops
will cause overheating of the brake
fluid and premature brake pad wear
which will result in an unexpected
loss of brakes.
! WARNING
Use only Arctic Cat approved brake
fluid. Never substitute or mix differ-
ent types or grades of brake fluid.
Brake loss can result. Check brake
fluid level and pad wear before each
use. Brake loss can result in serious
injury or death.
Parking
Parking involves following the previous
rules for braking; then:
1. After the vehicle stops, shift into
neutral.
20
2. Set the parking brake; then turn off
the ignition.
Avoid parking this vehicle on hills.
The parking brake may relax and
allow the vehicle to roll downhill
causing personal injury or property
damage.
3. If you have to park on a hill, shift to
low range, set the parking brake, and
block the wheels on the downhill side.
Basic Turns
Steering effort is at its lowest in two-
wheel drive (2WD). Greater effort is
needed when in four-wheel drive (4WD).
The greatest effort is needed when in
four-wheel drive and the differential is
locked. Never exceed 10 mph (16 kph)
with the lock control in the LOCK posi-
tion.
Slow down before entering a turn. The
basic turning technique is to drive at low
speed and gradually adjust the amount of
steering to suit the driving surface. Do
not make sudden sharp turns on any sur-
face. Refer to the sub-sections Driving
Uphill, Driving Downhill, Crossing
Obstacles, Driving in Reverse, Skidding
use of the
or Sliding, Crossing Water, or Crossing
Roads for more information.
If your vehicle ever skids sideways dur-
ing a turn, steer in the direction of the
skid. Also, avoid hard braking or accel-
erating until you have regained direc-
tional control.
Use care in turns - turning the steer-
ing wheel too far or too fast can
result in loss of control or a rollover.
Excessive speed, driving aggres-
sively, or making abrupt maneuvers,
even on flat, open areas, can cause
loss of control, tipping, or rollover.
Uneven terrain, rough terrain, soft
surfaces,
paved surfaces can also cause a loss
of control or rollover in a turn. On
loose or soft surfaces, allow yourself
more time and distance to turn and
slow down.
! WARNING
! WARNING
slippery surfaces, and