2009 Honda Ridgeline Owner's Manual - Page 312

Main Menu Table Of Contents Off-Highway Driving Guidelines Accelerating and Braking For better traction on all surfaces, accelerate slowly and gradually build up speed. If you try to start too fast on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you might not have enough traction to get underway, and you may dig yourself a hole. Starting with the shift lever in second (2) gear will help you have a smoother start on snow or ice. Keep in mind that you will usually need more time and distance to brake to a stop on unpaved surfaces. Avoid hard braking. Do not ''pump'' the brakes; let the anti-lock braking system pump them for you. Avoiding Obstacles Your vehicle is not equipped with undercarriage guards to protect key components, so take care to avoid rocks, tree stumps, and other obstacles in your path. Because your vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a conventional passenger vehicle, driving a wheel over a tall object, or allowing a wheel to drop into a deep hole, can cause your vehicle to tip or roll over. Driving on Slopes If you can't clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk the slope before you drive on it. If you have any doubt whether or not you can safely drive on the slope, don't do it. Find another route. If you are driving up a hill and find that you cannot continue, do not try to turn around. Your vehicle could roll over. Slowly back down the hill, following the same route you took up the hill. 308 2009 Ridgeline