Operating Your All-Wheel-DriveVehicle Off Paved RoadsThis off-road guide is for vehicles that have all-wheeldrive. If your vehicle does not have all-wheel drive, youshould not drive off-road unless you are on a level,solid surface.Many of the same design features that help makeyour vehicle responsive on paved roads duringpoor weather conditions — features like all-wheeldrive — help make it much better suited for off-roaduse. Its higher ground clearance also helps your vehiclestep over some off-road obstacles. But your vehicledoes not have features like special underbody shieldingand a transfer case low gear range, things that areusually thought necessary for extended or severeoff-road service.Also, see Braking on page 4-6.Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does havesome definite hazards. The greatest of these isthe terrain itself.“Off-roading” means you have left the North Americanroad system behind. Traffic lanes are not marked.Curves are not banked. There are no road signs.Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or downhill. Inshort, you have gone right back to nature.Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that iswhy it is very important that you read this guide. You willfind many driving tips and suggestions. These willhelp make your off-road driving safer and moreenjoyable.Before You Go Off-RoadingThere are some things to do before you go out. Forexample, be sure to have all necessary maintenanceand service work done. Check to make sure allunderbody shields (if so equipped) are properlyattached. Is there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fullyinflated? Are the fluid levels up where they should be?What are the local laws that apply to off-roadingwhere you will be driving? If you do not know, youshould check with law enforcement people in the area.Will you be on someone’s private land? If so, besure to get the necessary permission.4-17