Use and Care Manual

OWNER’S/OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
12. DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
12- 2
LEARNING TO OPERATE YOUR VEHICLE
You should become familiar with the performance characteristics of the
vehicle in a large, flat area that is free of obstacles and other vehicles.
Practice control of the accelerator pedal, brakes, steering, and drive
select lever. Drive first at slow speed and become comfortable at that
speed before gradually increasing your speed. Become familiar with the
way the vehicle feels in low and high ranges, Also practice driving in
reverse. Take the time to learn basic operation before attempting more
difficult maneuvers.
1. Set the parking brake, shift to neutral, and follow the instructions to
start the engine.
2. With the engine idling, shift the drive select lever into driven position.
Then release the parking brake.
3. Press the accelerator pedal slowly and smoothly. The centrifugal
clutch will engage and you will start to accelerate. Avoid higher speeds
until you are thoroughly familiar with the operation of your vehicle.
4. When slowing down or stopping, take your foot off the accelerator
pedal and smoothly press the brake pedal. Improper use of the brakes
can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing control and increasing the
possibility of an accident.
MAKING TURNS
It is possible for the vehicle to roll over or go out of control if you attempt
sharp, high-speed turns. You should also be careful making sharp turns
on rough terrain. Do not attempt to turn around or make abrupt
maneuvers on slopes.
Position your hands on the steering wheel so that your thumbs and
fingers do not wrap around the wheel. This is particularly important
when driving in rough terrain. The front wheels will move right and left
as they respond to the terrain, and this movement will be felt in the
steering wheel. A sudden jolt could wrench the steering wheel around,
and your thumbs or fingers could be injured if they are in the way of the
steering wheel spokes.