12 driving and operating – Hummer 2010 H3 User Manual

Page 196

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9-12

Driving and Operating

For mounds, washouts, loose
up-hill slopes, ditches, etc.

When wheel spin occurs as the
vehicle is moving, the driver
may notice a slight shaking or
shuddering of the vehicle. This
should be stopped as soon as
possible to prevent damage to
vehicle components. This is the
indication that a loss of traction is
occurring on this terrain. The
operator should:

1. Reduce speed and apply the

brakes.

2. Assess the terrain properly and

adjust vehicle speed and gear
ranges accordingly: Four‐Wheel
High position for higher speeds
and Four‐Wheel‐Low Lock for
more torque and lower speeds.
Transmission 1 (First) gear is
generally recommended.

3. Apply slight pressure to the

brake when the shaking or
shuddering sensation is felt,
keeping the vehicle moving in
a controlled manner.

4. Be prepared to alternate

between braking and
accelerating through the
adverse terrain.

Getting Familiar with Off-Road
Driving

It is a good idea to practice in an
area that is safe and close to home
before you go into the wilderness.
Off-roading requires some new and
different skills.

Tune your senses to different kinds
of signals. Your eyes need to
constantly sweep the terrain for
unexpected obstacles. Your ears
need to listen for unusual tire or
engine sounds. Use your arms,
hands, feet, and body to respond to
vibrations and vehicle bounce.

Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of
the best ways to control the vehicle
is to control the speed. At higher
speeds:

.

You approach things faster and
have less time to react.

.

There is less time to scan the
terrain for obstacles.

.

The vehicle has more bounce
when driving over obstacles.

.

More braking distance is
needed, especially on an
unpaved surface.

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WARNING

When you are driving off-road,
bouncing and quick changes in
direction can easily throw you
out of position. This could cause
you to lose control and crash.
So, whether you are driving on
or off the road, you and your
passengers should wear safety
belts.

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