1997 Oldsmobile Bravada Owner's Manual - Page 147

Driving Guidelines This multiplrpose passenger vehicle is defined as a utility vehicle in Consumer Information Regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the United States Department of Transportation. Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a narrower track to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of the higher ground clearance isa better view of the road allowing you to anticipate problems. They arenot designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctlymay result in loss of control or vehicle rollover. Operating Your Bravada Off Paved Roads Many of the same design features that help make Bravada responsive on paved roads during poor weather conditions -- features like the locking rear axle and all-wheel drive -- help make it much better suited for off-road use than a conventional passenger car. Its higher ground clearance also helps Bravada step over some off-road obstacles. But Bravada doesn't have features like special underbody shielding and a transfer case low gear range. things that are L I S L I ~ ~thought ~Y necessary for extended or severe off-road service. This guide is for operating your Bravada off paved roads. Also, see "Anti-Lock Brakes'' in the Index. Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have some definite hazards. The greatest of these is the terrain itself. "Off-roading" means you've left the great North American road system behind. Traffic lanes aren't marked. Curves aren't banked. There are no road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or downhill. In short, you've gone right back to nature. Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that's why it's very important that you read this guide. You'll find many driving tips and suggestions. These will help make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable.