Driving In Snow and Ice
WARNING   WARNING:  If you are driving in slippery conditions that require tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of your vehicle slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of your vehicle.

Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. If your vehicle slides when driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control. Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on snow and ice. Slowly and steadily apply the accelerator when starting from a full stop. Avoid sudden braking.
WARNING   WARNING:  Do not become overconfident in the ability of four-wheel drive vehicles. Although a four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction situations, it won't stop any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.

Make sure you allow sufficient distance between your vehicle and other vehicles for stopping.
In emergency stopping situations, do not pump the brake pedal, apply the brake firmly.
Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid area of the trail. Drive through the terrain without varying vehicle speed. Apply the accelerator and avoid excessive wheel slip.
Use the vehicle's momentum to maintain forward motion in sand. Avoid coming to a stop on steep sand slopes as the vehicle may not be able to continue forward after it has stopped.
Driving In Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you are driving in mud.
Even four-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to the wheels and tires and rotating driveshafts. Excess mud stuck on the wheels and tires and rotating driveshafts can cause an imbalance that could damage drive components.
Note:   The vehicle brakes are less effective when wet or muddy.
Driving Over Rocks and Gravel
Gravel is a constantly changing, low-grip surface. Driving at slow speeds on gravel reduces the risk of losing traction when you stop, accelerate or turn a corner.
When approaching large rocks, position the vehicle so that the tires pass over the largest obstacle.
Note:   Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large enough to strike your axles or undercarriage.
Note:   Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large enough to contact the door sills if your vehicle does not have rock rails.
If you lose traction on your wheels facing uphill, stop and choose a more suitable route.
Leave a generous gap between your vehicle and other vehicles to minimize the risk of damage from flying gravel. Avoid dust clouds as they reduce visibility.
Before navigating on uneven ground, secure anything inside the vehicle. If possible, remove any roof-rack items. Use the lowest gear possible and approach the obstacle at a slow speed.
If your vehicle begins to slide down a slope, steer downhill and gently apply the throttle. If you lose traction on your uphill wheels, stop immediately and choose a more suitable route.
Approach logs, rocky steps or ditches diagonally. Keep at least three wheels on the ground at all times.
Climbing A Hill
WARNING   WARNING:  Extreme care should be used when steering the vehicle in reverse down a slope so as not to cause the vehicle to swerve out of control.

Although natural obstacles can make it necessary to travel diagonally up or down a hill or steep incline, try to drive straight up or straight down.
Note:   Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, you must first determine the route you can use.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn around because this could cause your vehicle to roll over. It is better to reverse back to a safe location.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill without seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the aid of an observer.
If the vehicle is unable to make it up the hill, do not attempt to turn back down the slope.
Apply the accelerator just enough for the wheels to climb the hill.
Note:   Too much acceleration can cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descending A Hill:
  • Use the same gear you would use to climb the hill.
  • Do not descend in neutral.
  • Disengage overdrive.
  • Avoid sudden and excessive braking.
Note:   The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer your vehicle.
When descending a steep hill in a manual transmission vehicle do not leave the vehicle in gear with the clutch pressed. This could cause damage to your driveline.
Driving Through Water
WARNING   WARNING:  Do not attempt to cross a deep, fast flowing body of water. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.

As the water depth increases, you must reduce your vehicle speed to avoid potential vehicle damage.
The key to a safe crossing is the water depth, current and bottom of the water's condition. On soft bottoms, the vehicle sinks in, effectively increasing the water level on the vehicle. Make sure to consider this when determining the depth of water.
Determine the depth and speed of the current before attempting a water crossing.
Be aware that obstacles and debris may be beneath the water’s surface.
Note:   Cross flowing water at an angle heading slightly upstream.
Note:   You should tread lightly and avoid damage to the environment.
Drive slowly when crossing water. Proceed with a constant slow speed lightly pressing on the accelerator.
Drive through the water very slowly when entering, then build up momentum. Keep your vehicle moving at a steady pace.
Note:   Do not try to accelerate through the water crossing.
When driving too fast in water or through deep water, the engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, electrical components or vehicle interior could ingest water. Water can cause permanent damage that may not be covered by your vehicle warranty.   See   Driving Through Water Limitations. 
Note:   Failure to follow the recommended speeds can result in vehicle damage.
Never stop or shut a vehicle off when crossing deep water unless your vehicle ingested water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls, do not attempt to restart it.
Ease off the accelerator as you reach the other side to diminish the front wave. Apply the accelerator slowly and as necessary to climb out of the other side.
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effectiveness by depositing debris into the radiator.
Extra care must be taken crossing any type of water. Do not drive into water unless necessary. You should only drive through areas that are designated and approved.
High currents even in shallow water can wash the dirt out from around your tires or push your vehicle across slippery rocks or surfaces.
Never attempt to cross flowing water that is deeper than your vehicles ground clearance. Even in low currents your vehicles body surface area can be pushed downstream and out of control.
Do not cross any body of water that is fast flowing and rising, wait for the flow rate to reduce.
Determine exit points that are downstream of your entry point to allow for drifting.
If there are other vehicles ahead, wait until they’ve left the water. Unsettled water can make a safe passage more challenging.
Know your vehicle’s abilities and be able to recover it if something goes wrong.
Keep the doors fully closed during a water crossing.
Vehicles used to traverse water regularly should be periodically inspected for signs of water ingestion in all of the vehicle's fluids. If water is found inside your vehicle fluids, service your vehicle or see an authorized dealer.
After driving through water and as soon as it is safe to do so, check the brakes, horn, lights, and steering wheel to make sure everything is still in working order.
Avoid Getting High-Centered
Always keep available ground clearance in mind and pick a route that minimizes the risk of catching the underside of the vehicle on an obstacle and getting high-centered.
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
WARNING   WARNING:  Do not spin the wheels at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

Recovery hooks are mounted to the vehicle's structure and are used to pull out the vehicle from a surface or location when stuck. Recover your vehicle using various towing apparatus attached to your recovery hook such as winch, open hook, or strap.
Note:   Do not use recovery hooks to recreationally tow your vehicle.   See   Recreationally Towing Your Vehicle - Automatic Transmission. 
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, you may rock it out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press the accelerator in each gear.
Note:   Do not rock your vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:   Do not rock your vehicle for more than a minute damage to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.
If you are unable to free your vehicle call roadside assistance.   See   Roadside Assistance. 
Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout Or Rut
Review the path ahead before attempting to cross any obstacle. Review the obstacle from outside the vehicle for an understanding of the terrain condition in front of and behind the obstacle. Approach obstacles slowly and inch the vehicle over. Ditches and washouts should be crossed at a 45 degree angle when possible.
Driving Over Logs
Review the path ahead before attempting to cross any obstacle. Review the obstacle from outside the vehicle for an understanding of the terrain condition in front of and behind the obstacle.
Approach obstacles slowly and inch the vehicle over, approaching at a 15 degree angle.
Note:   It is best to have a front tire on top of the log when the other begins to climb over.
If a large obstacle near the log such as a rock cannot be avoided, choose a path that places the rock directly under the tire rather than the undercarriage of the vehicle. This helps prevent damage to the vehicle.

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