Suzuki Grand Vitara (2010 year). Instruction — part 9

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DRIVING TIPS

DRIVING TIPS

Important Vehicle Design Features To Know

4-1

Break-In

4-2

Catalytic Converter

4-2

Improving Fuel Economy

4-3

On-Pavement Driving

4-4

4

Off-Road Driving

4-6

60G409

79K21-03E

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Important Vehicle Design Features To Know: NO

DRIVING TIPS

Important Vehicle Design

EXAMPLE

Features To Know

WARNING

Your multipurpose vehicle has han-

dling characteristics that differ from

52D078S

those of a conventional passenger

car. For the safety of you and your

WARNING

passengers, please read the follow-

ing section very carefully.

•

Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times.

Even though air bags are equipped

Multipurpose vehicles such as your new

at the front seating positions, the

SUZUKI have higher ground clearance and

65D218

driver and all passengers should

a narrower track than conventional pas-

be properly restrained at all times,

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is

senger cars, to make them capable of per-

using the seat belts provided. Refer

significantly more likely to die than a per-

forming in a wide variety of off-road

to the

“Seat Belts and Child

son wearing a seat belt.

applications. Specific design characteris-

Restraint Systems” section for

tics give them a higher center of gravity

instructions on proper use of the

Important Differences Between

than ordinary cars. An advantage of the

seat belts.

higher ground clearance is a better view of

Your Multipurpose Vehicle and

•

Never drive while under the influ-

the road allowing you to anticipate prob-

Ordinary Passenger Cars

ence of alcohol or other drugs.

lems. They are not designed for cornering

Alcohol and drugs can seriously

Higher Ground Clearance

at the same speed as conventional pas-

impair your ability to drive safely,

The higher ground clearance of your vehi-

senger cars any more than low-slung

greatly increasing the risk of injury

cle enables it to clear off-road obstacles,

sports cars are designed to perform satis-

to yourself and others. You should

such as rocks and tree stumps, that ordi-

factorily under off-road conditions. If at all

also avoid driving when you are

nary passenger cars cannot drive over. An

possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt

tired, sick, irritated or under stress.

unavoidable result of this higher ground

maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this

clearance is that the vehicle also has a

type, failure to operate this vehicle cor-

higher center of gravity. Consequently,

rectly may result in loss of control or vehi-

your vehicle will handle differently than a

cle rollover.

vehicle with a lower center of gravity.

Multipurpose vehicles have a significantly

higher rollover rate than other types of

vehicles.

4-1

79K21-03E

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Important Vehicle Design Features To Know: NO

On-Pavement Driving: NO

DRIVING TIPS

Shorter Wheelbase

Break-In

Catalytic Converter

Along with its higher ground clearance,

your vehicle has a shorter wheelbase and

CAUTION

EXAMPLE

shorter front and rear overhangs than

many passenger cars. These features

The future performance and reliabil-

combine to allow you to drive your vehicle

ity of the engine depends on the care

over hillcrests without hanging up on them

and restraint exercised during its

or damaging the frame and chassis com-

early life. It is especially important to

ponents. The shorter wheelbase also

observe the following precautions

makes the steering of your vehicle more

during the initial 960 km (600 miles)

responsive than that of vehicles with longer

of vehicle operation.

wheelbases.

•

After starting, do not race the

engine. Warm it up gradually.

Narrower Body Width and Track

•

Avoid prolonged vehicle operation

Your vehicle is narrower than the average

at a constant speed. Moving parts

passenger car so that it can pass through

will break in better if you vary your

54G236

tight spaces.

speed.

The purpose of the catalytic converter is to

•

Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid

Without the essential characteristics

full throttle starts.

minimize the amount of harmful pollutants

described above: higher ground clearance,

•

Avoid hard stopping, especially

in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded

shorter wheelbase and narrower body

during the first 320 km (200 miles)

fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic

width and track - your vehicle could not

of driving.

converters is prohibited by federal law,

provide you with excellent off road driving

•

Do not drive slowly with the trans-

because lead deactivates the pollutant-

performance. However, it is also true that

mission in a high gear.

reducing components of the catalyst sys-

on-pavement driving, handling and steer-

•

Drive the vehicle at moderate

tem.

ing will be different from what drivers expe-

engine speeds.

The converter is designed to last the life of

rience with a conventional passenger car.

•

Do not tow a trailer during the first

the vehicle under normal usage and when

960 km (600 miles) of vehicle oper-

unleaded fuel is used. No special mainte-

ation.

nance is required on the converter. How-

ever, it is very important to keep the engine

properly tuned. Engine misfiring, which

can result from an improperly tuned

engine, may cause overheating of the cat-

alyst. This may result in permanent heat

damage to the catalyst and other vehicle

components.

4-2

79K21-03E

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On-Pavement Driving: NO

Off-Road Driving: NO

DRIVING TIPS

Improving Fuel Economy

CAUTION

The following instructions will help you

To minimize the possibility of catalyst

improve fuel economy.

or other vehicle damage:

Avoid excessive idling

•

Maintain the engine in the proper

If you are to wait for more than a minute

operating condition.

while you are parked, stop the engine and

•

In the event of an engine malfunc-

start it again later. When warming up a

tion, particularly one involving

cold engine, allow the engine to idle until

engine misfire or other apparent

the temperature gauge pointer comes up

loss of performance, have the vehi-

to the

“C” position. In this position, the

cle serviced promptly.

engine is sufficiently warm for starting off.

•

Do not shut off the engine or inter-

rupt the ignition when the transmis-

Avoid “jackrabbit” starts

sion is in gear and the vehicle is in

54G584S

Fast starts away from lights or stop signs

motion.

will consume fuel unnecessarily and

•

Do not try to start the engine by

shorten engine life. Start off slowly.

pushing or towing the vehicle or

WARNING

coasting down a hill.

Be careful where you park and drive;

Avoid unnecessary stops

•

Do not idle the engine with any

the catalytic converter and other

Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-

spark plug wires disconnected or

exhaust components can get very

ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed

removed, such as during diagnos-

hot. As with any vehicle, do not park

whenever possible. Slowing down and then

tic testing.

or operate this vehicle in areas where

accelerating again uses more fuel.

•

Do not idle the vehicle for pro-

combustible materials such as dry

longed periods if idling seems

grass or leaves can come in contact

Keep a steady cruising speed

rough or there are other malfunc-

with a hot exhaust system.

Keep as constant a speed as road and traf-

tions.

fic conditions will permit.

•

Do not allow the fuel tank to get

near the empty level.

4-3

79K21-03E

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Off-Road Driving: NO

DRIVING TIPS

Keep the air cleaner clean

On-Pavement Driving

All Types of Rollover Accidents

As with many kinds of automobile acci-

Government data show that most rollover

EXAMPLE

dents, rollovers can be greatly reduced by

accidents for multi-purpose vehicles are

doing what all prudent drivers should do,

caused when a driver loses control of the

i.e., don’t drink and drive, don’t drive when

vehicle and leaves the paved portion of the

tired and don’t do anything behind the

roadway striking a ditch, curb or other off-

wheel that could cause a loss of attention

road object that causes the vehicle to over-

to the driving task.

turn. The following driving practices may

reduce the risk of rollover.

Additional guidelines are set out below for

Vehicle Slides Off-Road

your on-road driving.

You can reduce the risk of this kind of roll-

Know Your Vehicle

over accident by always keeping the vehi-

Take time to familiarize yourself with the

cle under control. Typically, drivers lose

unique handling characteristics of your

control of vehicles, often resulting in roll-

vehicle by first driving around in an area

60A183S

over accidents, when the driver is impaired

away from traffic. Practice turning the vehi-

because of alcohol or other drugs, falls

If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there

cle at a variety of speeds and in different

asleep at the wheel or is otherwise inatten-

will be greater intake resistance, resulting

directions. Get a feel for the greater steer-

tive, or is driving too fast for the road condi-

in decreased power output and increased

ing response that your vehicle has over a

tions.

fuel consumption.

conventional car.

Rollovers On the Roadway

Keep weight to a minimum

Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times

If, for any reason, your vehicle slides side-

The heavier the load, the more fuel the

The driver and all passengers should be

ways or spins out of control at highway

vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage

properly restrained at all times, using the

speeds, while on the paved portion of the

or cargo when it is not necessary.

seat belts provided. Refer to the

“Seat

roadway, the risk of rollover is greatly

Belts and Child Restraint Systems” section

increased. This condition can be created

Keep tire pressure correct

for instructions on proper use of the seat

when two or more wheels drop off onto the

Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel

belts.

shoulder and you steer sharply in an

due to increased running resistance of the

attempt to reenter the roadway. To reduce

tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct

the risk of rollover in these circumstances,

pressure shown on the label located below

if conditions permit, you should hold the

the driver’s side door latch striker.

steering wheel firmly and slow down

before pulling back into the travel lanes

with controlled steering movements.

4-4

79K21-03E

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DRIVING TIPS

Tire Chains

Do not drive through deep or rushing

WARNING

Tire chains should only be used if they are

water

needed to increase traction or are required

Driving in deep or rushing water can be

• Do not allow anyone to stand near

by law. Make sure that the chains you use

hazardous. You could lose control of the

the vehicle when you are rocking it,

are small-link chains or cable-type chains

vehicle and the occupants could drown.

and do not spin the wheels faster

and are the correct size for your vehicle’s

Also, your vehicle could be seriously dam-

than an indicated 40 km/h (25 mph)

tires. Also make sure that there is enough

aged. To avoid these risks, observe the fol-

on the speedometer. Personal

clearance between the fenders and the

lowing instructions and precautions.

injury and/or vehicle damage may

chains as installed on the tires.

result from spinning the wheels too

•

Do not drive through deep or rushing

fast.

Install the chains on the rear tires tightly,

water. Deep or rushing water, such as

• Be sure to turn the transfer switch

according to the chain manufacturer’s

fast-moving streams or floodwaters,

from “4H” to “4H LOCK” or “4L

instructions. Retighten the chains after

could carry your vehicle away from your

LOCK” when the tires slip in “4H”.

driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-

intended path. The water is too deep if it

The continuing tires slip in “4H”

sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.

covers your wheel hubs, axles or

can cause the limited slip differen-

exhaust tailpipe. Know the depth of the

tial gear damage in the center dif-

CAUTION

water before you attempt to drive

ferential.

through it.

If you hear the chains hitting against

•

If water blocks the tailpipe, the engine

the vehicle body while driving, stop

may not start or run. If the water is deep

CAUTION

and tighten them.

enough to get drawn into the engine

intake system, the engine will be badly

Release the accelerator pedal when

damaged.

operating the gearshift lever. Operat-

•

Submerged brakes will have poor brak-

ing the lever with the engine racing

ing performance. Drive slowly and care-

can damage the gears.

fully. Driving slowly will also help avoid

water splashing onto the ignition system,

CAUTION

which could cause the engine to stall.

•

Even when driving through shallow or

Do not continue rocking the vehicle

still waters, drive carefully since the

for more than a few minutes. Pro-

water may be hiding ground hazards

longed rocking can cause engine

such as holes, ditches or bumps.

overheating, transmission or trans-

fer case damage or tire damage.

4-7

79K21-03E

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DRIVING TIPS

WARNING

WARNING

In addition to following the driving

(Continued)

tips in this section, it is important to

•

Never use oversized tires or special

observe the following precautions for

shocks and springs to raise (jack

on-road and off-road driving.

up) your vehicle. This will raise the

•

Driver and passengers should wear

center of gravity of the vehicle and

seat belts at all times.

change its handling characteris-

•

Do not let anyone else drive your

tics. Oversized tires may also rub

vehicle unless they are also aware

against the fender over bumps,

of the vehicle characteristics and

causing vehicle damage or tire fail-

handling differences described in

ure.

this section.

•

After driving through water, mud or

•

Avoid loaning your vehicle to any-

sandy ground, test the brakes while

one unless you accompany them.

driving at a slow speed to see if

•

Make sure your tires are in good

they have maintained their normal

condition and always maintain the

effectiveness. If the brakes are less

specified tire pressure. Refer to

effective than normal, dry them by

“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND

repeatedly applying the brakes

MAINTENANCE” section for

while driving slowly until the

details.

brakes have regained their normal

•

Do not use tires other than those

effectiveness.

specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif-

•

Do not use “4H LOCK” or “4L

ferent sizes or types of tires on the

LOCK” drive for normal driving.

front and rear wheels. For informa-

•

After extended operation in mud,

tion regarding the specified tires,

sand or water, have the brakes

refer to the Tire Inflation Pressure

inspected by your authorized

Label located on the driver’s side

SUZUKI dealer as soon as possi-

door pillar or the

“SPECIFICA-

ble.

TIONS” section.

(Continued)

4-8

79K21-03E

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DRIVING TIPS

MEMO

4-9

79K21-03E

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OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Automatic Heating and Air Conditioning System

(Climate Control)

5-1

Radio Antenna

5-8

Audio Systems (Type A)

5-8

Audio Systems (Type B)

5-36

Fuel Filler Cap

5-62

Engine Hood

5-63

Sun Visor

5-64

5

Interior Light Switch

5-64

Luggage Compartment Light

5-65

Spot Light

5-66

Accessory Socket (if equipped)

5-66

Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray (if equipped)

5-67

Sunroof (if equipped)

5-68

Assist Grips (if equipped)

5-70

Coat Hooks (if equipped)

5-70

60G407

Glove Box

5-71

Overhead Console Box (if equipped)

5-71

Cup Holder and Storage Bin (if equipped)

5-72

Front Seat Back Pocket (if equipped)

5-73

Shopping Hook (if equipped)

5-73

Armrest

5-73

Floor Mats (if equipped)

5-74

Luggage Compartment Cover

5-74

Underfloor Bins (if equipped)

5-77

Luggage Restraint Loops (if equipped)

5-78

Roof Rails or Roof Rack Anchors (if equipped)

5-78

HomeLink® (if equipped)

5-80

Frame Hooks

5-83

79K21-03E

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Parking Brake Lever: 6

Pedals: 6

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Automatic Heating and Air Conditioning System

1. Windshield defroster outlet

2. Side defroster outlet

(Climate Control)

3. Side outlet

4. Center outlet

Air Outlet

5. Floor outlet

EXAMPLE

Center outlet

1

1

Open

EXAMPLE

2

3

4

2

3

Close

5

64J199

5

5

5

66J250

5-1

79K21-03E

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Pedals: 6

Gearshift Lever: 10

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Side outlet

Description of Controls

(8)

(1)

(2)

(7)

(5)

(6)

(4)

(9)

(3)

79K020

(1) Temperature selector

(2) Blower speed selector

(3) Air intake selector

(4) Air flow selector

(5) Defrost switch

63J045

(6) “OFF” switch

When “Open”, air comes out from the side

(7) “AUTO” switch

outlets regardless of the air flow selector

(8) Air conditioning switch

position.

(9) LCD display

5-2

79K21-03E

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Gearshift Lever: 10

Fuel Filler Cap: 5

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Temperature selector (1)

Air conditioning switch (8)

Blower speed selector (2)

(1)

(2)

A/C: OFF

A/C: ON

(8)

78K047

79K021

78K048

Turn the temperature selector (1) to adjust

The air conditioning switch (8) is used to

The blower speed selector (2) is used to

the temperature.

turn on and off the air conditioning system.

turn on the blower and to select blower

To turn on the air conditioning system,

speed.

push in the switch and “A/C” will appear on

If the

“AUTO” switch (7) is pushed, the

the LCD display. To turn off the air condi-

blower speed will vary automatically as the

tioning system, push in the switch again

climate control system maintains the

and “A/C” will go off.

selected temperature.

5-3

79K21-03E

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Fuel Filler Cap: 5

Folding Seats: 14

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Air intake selector (3)

RECIRCULATED AIR (a)

Air flow selector (4)

When this mode is selected, outside air is

shut off and inside air is recirculated. This

mode is suitable when driving through an

area with polluted air such as a tunnel, or

when attempting to quickly cool down the

vehicle.

FRESH AIR (b)

(a)

(b)

When this mode is selected, outside air is

(4)

introduced.

“FRESH AIR” and “RECIRCULATED AIR”

(3)

are selected alternately each time the air

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

intake selector is pushed.

79K022

NOTE:

79K023

If you select “RECIRCULATED AIR” for an

Push the air intake selector (3) to change

Push the air flow selector (4) to change

between the following modes.

extended period of time, the air in the vehi-

among the following functions. The indica-

cle can become contaminated. Therefore,

tion of the selected mode appears on the

If the “AUTO” switch (7) is pushed, the air

you should occasionally select

“FRESH

LCD display.

intake will vary automatically as the climate

AIR”.

control system maintains the selected tem-

If the “AUTO” switch (7) is pushed, the air

perature.

flow will vary automatically as the climate

control system maintains the selected tem-

perature.

5-4

79K21-03E

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Folding Seats: 14

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Ventilation (c)

Heat (e)

Defrost switch (5)

64J069

64J071

(5)

Temperature-controlled air comes out of

Temperature-controlled air comes out of

the center and side air outlets.

the floor outlets and the side outlets, a

small amount of air comes out of the wind-

Bi-level (d)

shield defroster outlets and the side

defroster outlets.

Heat & defrost (f)

78K050

Push the defrost switch (5) to turn on the

defroster.

64J070

Temperature-controlled air comes out of

the floor outlets and cooler air comes out

64J072

of the center and side outlets. When the

temperature selector

(1) is in the fully

Temperature-controlled air comes out of

COLD position or fully HOT position, how-

the floor outlets, the windshield defroster

ever, the air from the floor outlets and the

outlets, the side defroster outlets and the

air from the center and side outlets will be

side outlets.

the same temperature.

5-5

79K21-03E