Volkswagen Touareg (2015 year). Instruction — part 35

Rollover warning

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

A vehicle's center of gravity affects its rollover characteristics. Since vehicle has higher ground
clearance for off-road driving, its center of gravity is also higher than that of “standard” passenger cars.
The higher center of gravity increases the risk of vehicle rollover while driving. Always keep this in
mind when driving. Heed the safety information and warnings in this Manual.

WARNING

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person

wearing a safety belt.

Your vehicle has a higher center of gravity and an increased risk of rollover while driving

than a standard passenger vehicle that is not suitable for occasional off-road use.

Never drive too fast, particularly through curves, and never attempt extreme driving ma-

neuvers.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, terrain, traffic, and weather condi-

tions.

Transporting luggage or other objects on top of your vehicle raises the center of gravity

and can further increase the risk of rollover.

Always avoid driving crosswise on a slope

⇒ Driving crosswise on a slope.

If stopped crosswise on a slope, never get out of the vehicle using the doors that face

downhill. The combined center of gravity of the vehicle and its contents (passengers and
load) can shift, causing the vehicle to tip over and roll down the slope. Always exit the vehicle

calmly using the doors that face uphill

⇒ Driving crosswise on a slope.

Before driving off-road

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Checklist: Review before every off-road trip!

For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out each of the following steps in the order

listed before every off-road trip

⇒ :

Inform yourself thoroughly before exploring nature and the terrain you plan to visit.

Do not plan extensive day trips. Consider the increased fuel consumption during off-road driving.

Fill the fuel tank completely. Off-road driving consumes significantly more fuel than driving on the

road.

Check whether the tires are suitable for the off-road trip you are planning. For difficult terrain,

always use special off-road tires.

Check, and if necessary correct, the cold tire inflation pressure in all tires, including the collapsible

spare tire (if any).

Fill engine oil up to the MAX mark so the engine can be properly lubricated. This is especially

important when driving through potholes and up and down hills.

Completely refill the windshield washer reservoir with water and window washer fluid.

Install a towing eye in the front and back of the vehicle. Once the vehicle gets stuck, it may no

longer be possible to install a towing eye.

Check the vehicle tool kit. Add tools and other gear based on the special requirements of the trip

you will be taking

⇒ Useful off-road driving equipment.

Stow luggage as low and flat as possible in the vehicle. Safely secure all loose objects.

Before driving off-road the first time

Before you drive your vehicle off-road, we urge you to take an appropriate off-road driving course.
Taking a course is especially important if you have little or no experience driving off-road. Even more
experienced off-roaders can benefit from an off-road driving course.

A good course can show you how to handle the vehicle in a wide range of off-road situations and how
to more safely deal with difficult terrain Driving off-road demands a different attitude and very different
skills compared with highway driving. Your safety and that of your passengers will depend on your

knowledge, skill, and caution as a driver

⇒ .

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.

Always review and follow the checklist above. Follow commonly accepted safety practices

and use common sense.

All occupants must sit properly and wear safety belts whenever the vehicle is moving.

General rules and good driving practices

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Off-road rules of conduct

Always be responsible and respect the environment when driving off-road. Driving through under-
growth and over meadows can destroy areas where animals live.

Only drive where it is permitted.
Keep noise and dust to a minimum.
Leave nature as you found it.
Always stay on designated trails and paths.
Avoid sensitive natural habitats.
Yield to drivers who are driving uphill or passing.

Good driving practices

Special rules apply to off-road driving

⇒ :

Never drive off-road alone. At least 2 off-road vehicles should travel together. Unexpected situa-

tions can occur. For this reason, take along the equipment you need to call for help in case of an
emergency.

Stop and explore the route on foot wherever necessary and always before traveling over difficult

trails or terrain.

Drive over hill crests slowly. Otherwise, the vehicle can tip and be damaged and disabled.
Drive slowly through difficult terrain segments. On slippery surfaces, upshift and keep the vehicle

moving.

Look for terrain that is firm and stable. Off-road ground is frequently soft, and the tires can sink into

it. This reduces ground clearance and fording depth.

Even at low speeds, always follow other vehicles at a safe distance. If the first vehicle suddenly

gets stuck, the second vehicle can still stop in time without getting stuck as well.

WARNING

Off-road driving can be dangerous, can lead to accidents, vehicle damage, stranding in re-
mote areas, and serious personal injury.

Never drive too fast or for terrain and weather conditions.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, terrain, traffic, and weather condi-

tions.

Always avoid sudden, sharp maneuvers that increase the risk of loss of vehicle control or

getting stuck.

When driving off-road look and think ahead, expect the unexpected.
To reduce the risk of loss of control and serious personal injury, never use the cruise

control when driving off-road. Cruise control is designed for highway use. It is completely
unsuitable for off-road situations and can even be dangerous when used off-road.

NOTICE

Always make sure the vehicle has enough ground clearance. Severe damage to the underbody
can occur if the vehicle bottoms out. The damage could disable the vehicle and leave you
stranded.

“Tread lightly” is an educational program designed to increase public awareness of land use

regulations and responsibilities in our nation's wilderness areas. Volkswagen supports the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to preserve our national forests and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly”.

Technical terms explained

Fig. 310 Illustration of grade (gradient angle) A and lateral angle B.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The technical date in the table below only apply to ideal conditions. The values were deter-
mined on flat, firm, and non-slippery road surfaces and under dry weather conditions.

Changes in vehicle load and the condition of the ground and the surroundings will affect the stated
maximum values. The maximum values do not apply, for example, to off-road situations and will also
be lower on hard, firm surfaces if ideal conditions do not exist. As the driver, you are always responsi-

ble for deciding whether your vehicle is able to handle a particular situation

⇒ .

Term

Explanation

Technical data

Ground clearance

This is the vertical distance
between the level ground
and the lowest part on the
vehicle.

Front: maximum 8.6
inches (214 mm).
Rear: maximum 10.4
inches (261 mm).

Fording depth in
standing water

Distance between the point
on the ground that touches
the tire and the engine air
intake duct.

Maximum 20 inches
(500 mm).

Gradient angle

The number of feet (meters)
in altitude gained when trav-
eling 100 ft (30.48 m) is
given as a percentage or in

degrees

⇒

fig. 310

A.

Information on the maximum
slope the vehicle can climb
unassisted (depends on
road surface and engine
power).

Maximum permissible
31 degrees (corre-
sponds to 60 %).

Lateral angle
(vehicle slope)

The maximum angle the
vehicle may be driven
across terrain without the
vehicle rolling over (depends
on height of center of gravi-

ty)

⇒

fig. 310

B.

Maximum permissible
35 degrees.

Breakover angle

Maximum permitted angle
given in degrees that a vehi-
cle driven at low speed can
clear a ramp without the
underbody of the vehicle
scraping the ramp

Maximum
20 degrees.

Term

Explanation

Technical data

Approach/departure
angle

Transition from horizontal
plane to a slope, or from a
slope to flat ground.
Maximum angle in degrees
the vehicle can be driven at
low speed along an em-
bankment without the
bumper or underbody scrap-
ing.

Front: maximum
25 degrees.
Rear: maximum
26 degrees.

Fall line

This is the vertical drop route.

Articulation

Articulation capability of the vehicle while driving on
one side over an object.

WARNING

Never exceed the recommended maximum values in the above table. Exceeding these values
will result in serious personal injury and/or damage to your vehicle.

All values listed above are for ideal conditions and assume firm, even surfaces that are

dry and not slippery.

Off-road conditions will always be less than ideal. Always reduce the maximum values

listed in the table above to allow an adequate margin of safety between the ideal maximum
value and your vehicle's actual off-road situation.

Useful off-road driving equipment

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The checklist lists only a few of the items that could be very helpful when driving off-road

⇒ . If you

have user's manuals or assembly instructions for the listed extra equipment, take them with you off-
road and heed them.

Checklist

Checklist: Useful off-road driving equipment

⇒ :

Water, compass, maps, flashlight and spare batteries.

Cable winch, tow rod or tow rope strong enough for your vehicle.

Mobile phone, shovel, blankets, and rubber boots, tape measure, and yardstick.

Vehicles without tire mobility set: Electric air compressor to connect to the 12 Volt socket in the

vehicle for inflating the tires.

A wooden plank about 2 inches thick and 3 feet long or similar aluminum frame as traction aid for a

stuck vehicle or as a base for the vehicle jack.

Snow chains for all 4 tires, additional spare tires, and tire mobility set.

WARNING

Accidents and severe personal injury can result from the improper use of tools or equipment
as well as from the use of tools or equipment that are damaged or not right for the job to be
done.

Safety and off-road driving

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Proper seating position and safety belt use is always important, regardless of whether you are on the
highway or driving off-road.

Every person in the vehicle must sit properly and wear his or her safety belt whenever the vehicle

is moving

⇒ Adjusting the seating position.

Every occupant must properly fasten the safety belt belonging to the seat he or she occupies and

keep the belt properly fastened while riding in the vehicle. This applies to the driver and all passen-

gers, even when driving off-road

⇒ Safety belts.

Safety belts save lives – on the road and off.

Distance to the steering wheel

When driving off-road, you may want to sit a little differently than you would for normal highway driv-
ing.

Depending on the terrain, you may need more strength to control the steering wheel because of the
higher forces that can come up from the front wheels.

Sit so that you can clearly see the terrain in front of you, especially when you are driving up or down
slopes. Never sit so that the distance from the center of your breast bone to the center of the airbag
cover on the steering wheel is less than 10 inches (25 cm)

Suitable shoes

Never wear shoes with a slippery sole or high-heels when driving off-road, and never drive off-road
barefoot. Always wear shoes that support your feet properly and give you a good feel for the pedals.

WARNING

Not wearing safety belts, or wearing them improperly will increase the risk of serious injuries
when driving off-road. Holding the steering wheel improperly will reduce your ability to con-
trol the vehicle and can also increase the risk of injury when driving off-road.

Properly worn safety belts are the single most effective means of reducing the risk of

serious injury and death during sudden braking or driving maneuvers and in automobile
accidents. For this reason, always wear your safety belt properly and make sure all passen-
gers wear their safety belts properly as well whenever the vehicle is moving.

Never wrap your thumbs around the steering wheel rim. When driving off-road, obstacles

in front of the wheels can make the steering wheel jerk suddenly in your hands and cause
personal injury. Rest your thumbs pointing up on the on the surface of the steering wheel at
the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.

Off-road driving situations

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Selecting the right gear

Off-road mode

Driving in rough terrain

Driving through water

Driving over snow-covered terrain

Driving in steep terrain

Driving crosswise on a slope

Avoiding deep ruts and depressions

Crossing ditches

Driving in sand and mud

If the vehicle is stuck

After driving off-road

Driving off-road: Drive at a crawl; don't speed! Even harmless-looking areas can be dangerous

⇒ .

Volkswagen recommends that you get out of the vehicle and explore the terrain personally before
trying to cross it. Walk the area and make sure that the ground is firm enough. Check for obstacles or
other hidden dangers. Always obey local requirements and regulations; follow commonly accepted
safety practices and use common sense

The examples discussed in this chapter are intended to help you drive safely off-road. But the situation
facing you may not fit any of these examples.

The wide range of terrain you can come up against, as well the risks and dangers it may hide, make it
impossible to deal with every conceivable situation in this Manual. The examples in this chapter are
only general guidelines to help you drive safely off-road. The guidelines may not apply in every situa-
tion you encounter. Therefore, it is vital that you know what lies ahead and evaluate possible dangers
before you try to drive over difficult or unfamiliar terrain. This will help you to evaluate and prepare for
possible dangers.

If necessary, use traction assistance systems while driving off-road but do not use any other driver
assistance systems. All other driver assistance systems were designed only for driving on paved roads
and must not be used for off-road driving.

More information:

Starting assistance systems
Some basics

WARNING

Areas that look harmless can, in fact, be very dangerous. Potholes, ditches, trenches, drop-
offs, different kinds of obstacles, and soft or swampy ground often cannot be seen and can
be partially or fully covered by water, grass, branches, or other things. Driving over such
terrain can cause accidents and severe injuries.

Before crossing an unknown area, carefully explore the route you plan to take on foot.
Never choose a risky route or run a risk that will endanger you and your passengers. If

you have any doubts as to whether the route is safe, turn around use a different route.

Always adapt driving speed and style to load, terrain, visibility, and weather conditions.

Selecting the right gear

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Different kinds of terrain require different gears. Selecting the right one helps you to get through safely.

Before driving over a difficult section, think carefully about which gear you should select. With time,
you will learn which gear is best for various types of terrain.

Basics

If you select the right gear you will usually not have to slow the vehicle down with the foot brake

when driving down slopes - the engine will brake the vehicle. You will then only have to use the brake
when the braking power of the engine is not enough.

Never accelerate more than necessary when driving off-road. If you accelerate too hard, the

wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.

Automatic transmission

Use selector lever position (D) when driving on ordinary level areas.
Use Tiptronic mode and put the vehicle in 2nd or 3rd gear when driving through moderately diffi-

cult off-road terrain, for example mud, sand, water, or hills

⇒Shifting.

Use Tiptronic mode and shift into 1st gear when driving up or down steep hills

⇒ Shifting. Use Hill

Hold

⇒ Starting assistance systems.

On soft or slippery surfaces, drive at an appropriate speed and in the highest possible driving

range of the Tiptronic.

Off-road mode

Fig. 311 In the lower front center console: Rotary knob (4MOTION).

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Off-road mode is a special driving program that adjusts the vehicle's performance for off-road driving

situations

⇒ . This setting affects the following systems and features:

ESC, ASR, EDL, and ABS.
Hill Descent Assist.

The speeds at which the automatic transmission shifts gears are affected.

Switching off ASR and ESC on some models

On all models, you can switch off Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) by pushing the button in the lower front
center console (see Braking and parking).

On some models, you can also use this button to switch off the entire Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) when the vehicle is in Off-road mode.

Press and hold button

Status

Up to 3 seconds

ASR switched off.

3 to 10 seconds

ESC switched off.

If you switch from Off-road mode back to On-road mode, ESC is automatically switched back on again
if it was off. However, ASR remains disabled.

WARNING

Never drive on paved roads in Off-road mode. This can cause dangerous driving situations,
accidents, and severe personal injuries.

This mode is designed solely for off-road driving. If used on paved roads, the ESC, ASR,

EDL, and ABS systems can affect vehicle handling and make it unstable.

Always make sure to switch off Off-road mode as soon as you are back on a paved road.

Driving in rough terrain

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Driving tips

Drive no faster than a crawl over rocky sections.
Drive around obstacles such as rocks wherever possible. If this is not possible:

Carefully advance until one front wheel is on the rock and then slowly drive over it

⇒ .

NOTICE

If you are facing a large rock or tree stump or other large obstacle, do not attempt to drive

straight over it or to climb over it with just 2 wheels. A rock or other obstacle that is too high
for your vehicle to clear will damage and may disable the vehicle if you try to drive over it. You
could be stranded far away from help. Never let large obstacles pass under the vehicle. If there
is no way around them and they are too large to drive over, back up and find another route.

Even obstacles that are lower than your vehicle's ground clearance can come into contact

with the underbody and damage or disable your vehicle. Such obstacles are especially dan-
gerous when the ground around them is soft or there is a dip right in front of or behind them.
They are also dangerous if you drive over them too quickly and the shock absorbers are com-
pressed.

Leaking engine oil and brake fluid can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids

and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Driving through water

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Important factors when deciding whether to drive through water:

Water depth.
Strength of the current.
Firmness of stream bed and bank.
Shape of the bank.
Objects in the water.
Maximum fording depth of the vehicle

Before driving through water

Stop, get out of the vehicle, and assess the situation

⇒ :

Measure water depth from one side to the other. Check the firmness of the bed and banks; check

for drop-offs and obstacles in the water

⇒ .

Make sure it is possible to enter and exit the water safely.
Check the angle of the embankment and the firmness of the ground on each bank.
Switch to off-road mode.

Driving through standing and slow-moving water

The vehicle can drive through standing water if the ground under the water is firm enough

⇒ .

Never exceed maximum fording depth

Drive slowly into a river in the direction of the flow. Never exceed the departure/approach angle

and lateral angle (vehicle slope).

Always drive at a constant speed to the other side.

This will help prevent engine damage from the water. It also allows an air pocket to form in front of the
engine that can supply it with the necessary air.

Entering the water quickly or driving too fast through the water will create a bow wave. A bow wave
can force its way into the engine air intake duct and seriously damage the engine.

Driving through fast-moving water

Driving through fast-moving water is very dangerous

⇒ .

The vehicle can be swept away by the current. Even vehicles with high ground clearance can get
stuck if the ground is washed out from under the tires. Fast-moving water will build up against the side
of your vehicle. This will make the water deeper. Always think about this before entering the water.
Water volume, speed, and depth can be very unpredictable and dangerous.

If you are uncertain how fast the water is flowing, look for a shallower place where you can cross in
safety. If you cannot find a safe place to cross, turn back.

Headlight washer system instructions

Do not use the headlight washer system when driving through water. Things in the water can enter
into the openings when the washer nozzles are extended. This can prevent the washer nozzles from
retracting to their normal position. If this should happen, carefully remove the objects.

After driving through water

After crossing through deep water, stop the engine and check the oil dipstick. If there are beads of

water on the oil dipstick or the oil level has increased, do not start the engine. Change the engine oil
immediately. Depending on the amount of water in the oil, running or starting the engine can result in
engine failure or serious engine damage.

Always dry the brakes by braking a couple of times.
After driving through water, have the vehicle drive train and electrical system thoroughly inspected

for damage by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Flowing water is very powerful and can sweep your vehicle away. This can lead create an
extremely dangerous situation and cause an accident with serious personal injuries.

Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot

go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.

Never stop in the water.
If water gets into the engine, your vehicle can break down. You will lose control of a bro-

ken down vehicle, and it can be swept away.

Soft surfaces, mud, underwater obstacles, and holes can cause accidents and can cause

the vehicle to break down in the water. This can lead pose extreme danger.

Rapidly flowing water can develop strong forces that can pull the vehicle downstream.

This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.

Drive through water only where the banks and bottom are firm enough and the water is

shallower at all points than the maximum permissible fording depth for your vehicle

⇒ table

on page 556.

NOTICE

Vehicle components such as the engine, drive train, suspension or electrical system may

be severely damaged by driving through water.

Avoid stopping in deep water. This can let water get inside the vehicle.
On soft ground, the tires dig into the surface. This reduces fording depth. Make sure that

the ground is sufficiently firm.

Avoid creating a bow wave in front of the vehicle while driving through water. A bow wave

could force its way into the engine air intake duct and seriously damage the engine.

If you even briefly exceed the maximum fording depth when driving through water, severe

engine damage will result. This engine damage will lead to a vehicle breakdown. This can
disable the vehicle in the water.

Never drive over salt flats or through salt or salty water. Salt causes vehicle corrosion.

Rinse all parts of the vehicle that were exposed to salt or salt water right away with fresh water.

Driving over snow-covered terrain

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Install snow chains on all 4 tires before driving over snow-covered terrain.

Snow-covered terrain may look harmless but the snow can hide many dangers. This is particularly true
for stretches where you can't see the tracks left by other vehicles.

WARNING

Driving through snow-covered terrain is very dangerous.

Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot

go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.

Potholes, ruts, ditches, drop-offs, and other obstacles are often partially or completely

hidden by the snow, especially when it is deep.

Snow-covered dangers can lead to an accident, serious personal injury, or stranding un-

der extreme weather conditions.

Always adapt driving speed and style to load, terrain, visibility, and weather conditions.

Driving in steep terrain

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Driving on slopes

Before driving up or down a slope, get out of the vehicle, explore the terrain, and assess the situation.

Walk the grade you intend to drive, check the stretch for firmness and obstacles or other hidden

dangers

⇒ .

Find out how the route continues at the end of a steep angle.
If the route is too steep or too uneven or the ground is too loose, do not drive this route. Find an

alternative.

Drive at a constant speed straight up or down a slope.
Use just as much power as needed to get up the slope. Too much power makes the tires slip, spin,

or lose traction. This can increase your risk of losing control. However, too little power will increase the
likelihood of stalling.

Never stop or try to turn around on a slope.
Do not let the engine stall.
Do not change gears while climbing the slope.

If you get stuck while driving up a slope

Never try to turn around.
If your engine stalls, apply the foot break and restart the engine.
Shift into reverse and back your vehicle carefully straight down the slope.
Use the brake to keep the speed steady when backing down to a safe place.

Driving down a slope

Never exceed the vehicle's maximum lateral angle (vehicle slope). If an emergency forces you to
cross the slope and the vehicle threatens to roll over, immediately steer the vehicle downhill along the
fall line.

There is an increased risk of rollover when driving down a slope. For this reason, concentrate on
steering safely down the slope.

Use Hill Descent Assist on steep descents.

Drive down steep slopes in first gear.
Gently apply the foot brake to help keep the vehicle under control.
If it is possible and if it is not dangerous, drive straight down the fall line (maximum slope).
Do not shift into Neutral (N).

WARNING

Never try to drive up or down slopes that are too steep for your vehicle. The vehicle could
slide away, tip over, or roll over.

Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot

go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.

The lateral angle must never be more than the maximum angle approved for the vehicle.
Always drive along the fall line when driving up or down a slope.
Never try to turn the vehicle around on a slope. The vehicle could tip over or roll down the

slope.

If the engine stalls or you can no longer drive up the slope for any reason, stop and apply

the foot brake. If stalled, apply the foot brake and restart the engine. Then shift into Reverse
(R) and carefully back your vehicle straight down the slope along the fall line. Keep the vehi-
cle speed slow and even.

If the engine will not restart, apply constant pressure to the foot brake and carefully back

straight down the slope the same way you drove up. Keep the vehicle speed slow and even.

If the engine is running, select Reverse and carefully back straight down the slope the

same way you drove up. Use engine braking power and the foot brake to keep the vehicle
speed slow and even.

Never just roll down a slope with the transmission in Neutral (N). You could lose control of

the vehicle.

Driving crosswise on a slope

Fig. 312 Steer downhill along the fall line.

Fig. 313 On a slope, always exit on the uphill side of the vehicle.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Driving crosswise on a slope is one of the most dangerous off-road driving situations

⇒ .

Even if it seems harmless, never underestimate the difficulties and hazards when driving crosswise on
a slope. A vehicle perpendicular to the slope of the hill can become uncontrollable and slide away, tip,
or roll over. This could cause severe or fatal injuries to all occupants.

Driving at an angle to the slope

Before driving crosswise on a slope, check whether there is a different, safer route.

If you have to drive across a slope, first make sure the ground is firm and even along your route. If the
ground is soft or slippery, the vehicle is more likely to slip away to the side. Make sure that the angle
does not become too great due to surface unevenness. This can make the vehicle tip and roll over.

The steeper the slope across which the vehicle is moving, the more important it becomes to make
sure the wheels on the lower side do not run over holes or depressions. The wheels on the high side
must never run over protruding rocks, tree stumps, or other obstacles.

If the vehicle threatens to tip, immediately steer downhill into the “fall line” and gently accelerate
⇒

fig. 312

. If it is not possible to steer down the fall line, steer uphill and gently accelerate.

The vehicle center of gravity should be as low as possible. The weight of all passengers should be
evenly distributed. Taller or heavier passengers should sit on the higher side of the vehicle. Luggage
on the roof should be removed and heavy objects should be secured, as the vehicle could tilt due to

the sudden shifting of objects in the vehicle

⇒ .

While driving across the slope, passengers on the rear bench should always sit on the uphill side of
the vehicle. In extreme cases, passengers on the downhill side must get out of the vehicle until the hill
has been safely crossed.

Exiting on a hillside

If the vehicle comes to a standstill at a significantly tilted angle on the hillside, all passengers should

exit the vehicle on the uphill side

⇒

fig. 313

. This applies even if the uphill door is hard to open. The

uphill-side door may swing shut due to its weight or carelessness.

WARNING

Never try to drive crosswise on a slope, especially one that is too steep for your vehicle. The
vehicle could slide sideways and tumble down the slope. To reduce the risk of accidents and
serious injuries:

Never underestimate the difficulties and dangers of driving crosswise on a slope. Never

take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot go on or
have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a different route.

When driving crosswise on a hill, the vehicle can lose its hold, slide sideways, tip or turn

over and roll down the hill.

Make certain that the wheels on the downhill side of the vehicle do not run over holes or

depressions. Make certain that the wheels on the high side of the vehicle do not run over
rocks, tree stumps, or protruding objects.

Before driving crosswise on a hill, check whether it is possible to steer into the fall line

along the selected route. If this is not possible, select a different route. If the vehicle threat-

ens to tip, immediately steer downhill into the fall line and gently accelerate

⇒

fig. 312

.

If the vehicle is stopped a hillside and is laterally tilted, avoid sudden and uncontrolled

movement in the vehicle The vehicle can lose its hold, slide sideways, tip, or turn over and
roll down the hill.

If the vehicle is stopped at while pointed crosswise on a steep slope, make certain that no

one exits the vehicle through a door on the downhill side. This can shift the vehicle center of
gravity to the downhill side. The can tilt or roll over and roll down the hill. To help minimize

this risk, always exit the vehicle through the doors that are facing uphill

⇒

fig. 313

.

When getting out, make certain that doors opened on the uphill side are not closed care-

lessly and do not swing shut due to their own weight and injure anybody.

Avoiding deep ruts and depressions

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Ruts are very common on forest trails, in grassland and fields, as well an on much-used cross-country
lanes.

If the ruts and depressions are firm and shallow, simply follow the ruts.

Do not drive in ruts and depressions that are too deep

⇒ . If deep ruts and depressions cannot be

avoided, turn around.

NOTICE

If ruts and depressions become too deep, the vehicle underbody can bottom out and get stuck.
This can damage or even disable the vehicle.

Crossing ditches

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Check whether the approach/departure angle and the lateral angle (tilt) are small enough to allow

the vehicle to cross the ditch.

If possible, cross the ditch at an acute angle

⇒ .

This is only possible if the lateral angle (side-to-side tilt) is not too large.

WARNING

If the approach/departure angle or the lateral angle of the ditch are too steep for the vehicle,
do not attempt to cross the ditch. The vehicle can fall over on its side, slide sideways, or turn
over.

NOTICE

If you enter at right angles to the ditch, the front wheels will fall into the ditch. The underbody
of the vehicle can get stuck and the vehicle can be damaged or disabled. Getting out of a ditch
without assistance is rarely possible, even with all-wheel drive.

Driving in sand and mud

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Always drive at a constant speed through sand and mud; do not shift gears manually and do not stop.

Check whether ESC is active. The indicator light or < in the instrument cluster must both be off

⇒ Braking and parking.

Select a suitable gear and remain in this gear until solid ground is reached

⇒ Selecting the right

gear.

Always keep the vehicle moving.

Never drive too fast through sand and mud. The wheels may spin and the vehicle can get stuck. If the
tires no longer grip, turn the steering wheel back and forth slightly in short, quick movements. This can
improve front wheel traction when driving in sand and mud.

Driving through sand

Never reduce tire inflation pressure before driving through sand

⇒ . If you have reduced the tire

pressure to drive through sand, make sure to correct the tire pressure afterwards before driving any
farther. Driving with reduced tire pressure can make you lose control of the vehicle and increase the
risk of serious or fatal injuries.

Driving through mud

Do not change your speed or your direction. The tires can lose their grip in mud. If the vehicle skids,
steer in the direction the vehicle is sliding to try to get it back under control.

WARNING

Driving through sand and mud can be dangerous. The vehicle can skid out of control and
crash, causing serious injuries. Always drive carefully when driving in sand and mud.

Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot

go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a different route.