Land Rover Discovery Owners Handbook Exp Rover

							Off-road driving
171 CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES
Engage the DIFF LOCK and ALWAYS follow
the fall line of the slope - travelling diagonally
could encourage the vehicle to slide broadside
down the slope.
Steep climbs will usually require the LOW gear
range. If the surface is loose or slippery, use
sufficient speed in the highest practical gear
to take advantage of your vehicles
momentum. However, too high a speed over a
bumpy surface may result in a wheel lifting,
causing the vehicle to lose traction. In this
case try a slower approach. Traction can also
be improved by easing off the accelerator just
before loss of forward motion.
If the vehicle is unable to complete a climb, do
not attempt to turn it around while on the
slope. Instead, adopt the following procedure
to reverse downhill to the foot of the slope.
1.Hold the vehicle stationary using both foot
and hand brakes.
2.Restart the engine if necessary.
3.Engage reverse gear LOW range (R for
automatic transmission).
4.Release the handbrake. Then release the
foot brake and clutch (where applicable)
simultaneously, and allow the vehicle to
reverse down the slope using engine
braking to control the rate of descent.5.Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle
to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT apply
the brake or clutch pedal during the
descent - even a light application may
cause the front wheels to lock, rendering
the steering ineffective.
6.If the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate
slightly to allow the tyres to regain grip.
When the vehicle is back on level ground or
where traction can be regained, a faster
approach will probably enable the hill to be
climbed. However, DO NOT take unnecessary
risks, if the hill is too difficult to climb, find an
alternative route.
WARNING
The engine must be restarted before
reversing down the slope as there will be no
braking effect from the gearbox unless the
engine is running. 
						

							Off-road driving
172
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES
A.Stop the vehicle at least a vehicle length
before the slope and engage first gear
(1, for automatic transmission) LOW
range with the differential locked.
B.Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle
in order to negotiate obstructions,DO NOT
touch the brake or clutch pedals during
the descent - the engine will limit the
speed, keeping the vehicle under perfect
control provided the front wheels are
turning. If the vehicle begins to slide,
accelerate gently to maintain directional
stability - DO NOT use the brakes or
attempt to change gear.C.Once level ground is reached, unlock the
differential and select a suitable gear for
the next stage of your journey.
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may
cause the vehicle to roll over. 
						

							Off-road driving
173
TRAVERSING A SLOPE
Before crossing a slope ALWAYS observe the
following precautions:
·
Check that the ground is firm and not
slippery.
·
Check that the wheels on the downhill side
of the vehicle are not likely to drop into
depressions in the ground and that the
uphill wheels will not run over rocks, tree
roots, or similar obstacles that could
suddenly increase the angle of tilt.
·
Ensure that passenger weight is evenly
distributed, that all roof rack luggage is
removed and that all other luggage is
properly secured and stowed as low as
possible. Always remember; any sudden
movement of the load could cause the
vehicle to overturn.
·
Rear seat passengers should sit on the
uphill side of the vehicle or, in extreme
conditions, should vacate the vehicle until
the sloping grund has been safely
negotiated.NEGOTIATING A V SHAPED GULLY
Observe extreme caution! Steering up either
of the gully walls could cause the side of the
vehicle to be trapped against the opposite
gully wall.
DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS
As far as possible allow the vehicle to steer
itself along the bottom of the ruts. However,
always keep a light hold of the steering wheel
to prevent it from spinning free.
Particularly in wet conditions, if the steering
wheel is allowed to spin free, the vehicle may
appear to be driving straight ahead in the ruts,
but in actual fact (due to the lack of traction
caused by the wet ground) is unknowingly on
full right or left lock. Then, when level ground
is reached, or if a dry patch of ground is
encountered, the wheels will find traction and
cause the vehicle to suddenly veer to left or
right. 
						

							Off-road driving
174
CROSSING A RIDGE
Approach at right angles so that both front
wheels cross the ridge together - an angled
approach could cause traction to be lost
through diagonally opposite wheels lifting
from the ground at the same time.CROSSING A DITCH
With the DIFF LOCK engaged, cross ditches at
an angle so that three wheels always maintain
contact with the ground (if approached head
on, both front wheels will drop into the ditch
together, possibly resulting in the chassis and
front bumper being trapped on opposite sides
of the ditch).WADING
WARNING
The maximum advisable wading depth is
0,5 metre.
Severe electrical damage may occur if the
vehicle remains stationary for any length of
time when the water level is above the door
sills.
If the water is likely to exceed 0,5 metre, the
following precautions should be observed:·
Fix a plastic sheet in front of the radiator
grille to prevent water from soaking the
engine and mud from blocking the
radiator.
·
Fit a drain plug to the diesel engine timing
cover (see Owner maintenance).
·
Remove the CD autochanger (if fitted).
·
Ensure that the silt bed beneath the water
is free of obstacles and firm enough to
support the vehicles weight and provide
sufficient traction.
·
Ensure that the engine air intake is clear of
the water level.
·
With the DIFF LOCK engaged, select a low
gear and maintain sufficient throttle to
prevent the engine from stalling. This is
particularly important if the exhaust pipe is
under water.
·
Drive slowly into the water and accelerate
to a speed which causes a bow wave to
form; then maintain that speed.
At all times, keep all the doors fully closed. 
						

							Off-road driving
175 After wading
·
Drive the vehicle a short distance and
apply the foot brake to check that the
brakes are fully effective.
·
DO NOT rely on the handbrake to hold the
vehicle stationary until the transmission
has thoroughly dried out; in the meantime,
leave the vehicle parked in gear.
·
Remove the timing cover drain plug
(where fitted) and also any protective
covering from in front of the radiator
grille.
·
If the water was particularly muddy,
remove any blockages (mud and leaves)
from the radiator to reduce the risk of
overheating.
·
If deep water is regularly negotiated, check
all oils for signs of water contamination -
contaminated oil can be identified through
its milky appearance. In addition, check
the air filter element for water ingress and
replace if wet.
·
If salt water is frequently negotiated,
thoroughly wash the underbody
components and exposed body panels for
fresh water.
Vehicles required to undergo frequent or deep
wading conditions will require more frequent
servicing. See Owner maintenance and
contact a Land Rover dealer for advice.