Land Rover Freelander Owners Handbook Lrl 18 02 50 501 Rover
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161 On-Road Driving On-Road Driving INSTRUMENTS AND WARNING LIGHTS . . . . . . 163 POWER ASSISTED STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 WARMING UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 VEHICLE HEIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 DRIVING PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 FUEL ECONOMY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 BREAKDOWN SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
On-Road Driving 163 On-Road Driving O n- Road Dr iv in gINSTRUMENTS AND WARNING LIGHTS Before driving it is important to fully understand the function of the instruments and warning lights (see ‘INSTRUMENT PANEL’, page 63). NOTE: Red warning lights are of particular importance, illumination indicating that a fault exists. If a red light illuminates, always stop the vehicle and seek qualified assistance before continuing. POWER ASSISTED STEERING The hydraulic power-assisted steering is progressively geared; when steering straight ahead gearing is relatively low, but becomes progressively higher as the steering wheel is turned. NOTE: Power assistance is dependent on the engine running. If the engine is not running, a much greater effort will be required to steer the vehicle. WARMING UP In the interests of fuel economy, it is advisable to drive the vehicle straight away, remembering that harsh acceleration or labouring the engine before the normal operating temperature has been reached can damage the engine. When the engine is cold, engine idle speeds will be faster than normal. Under these circumstances, use the foot brake to control the vehicle until the engine is warm and running at normal speed, and be aware of the need to take additional care when manoeuvring the vehicle. VEHICLE HEIGHT CAUTION: The overall height of your vehicle exceeds that of ordinary passenger cars. Always be aware of the height of your vehicle and check the available headroom before driving through low entrances. This is particularly important if the vehicle is fitted with a roof rack or if a sunroof is open.
On-Road Driving 164 DRIVING PRECAUTIONS WARNING Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll-over rate than other types of vehicles. Since these vehicles are designed to be operated off-road, these vehicles have a higher ground clearance and hence a higher centre of gravity. Such a feature has been associated with an increased risk of vehicle roll-over. An advantage associated with higher ground clearance vehicles is a better view of the road, allowing the driver to anticipate problems. Another factor shown to significantly increase roll-over risk is unauthorized vehicle modifications such as fitting incorrect specification tires (see ‘WHEELS & TIRES’, page 263), oversize tires, body lifting, incorrect springs/dampers, incorrect vehicle loading/trailer towing. However, on-road crash data also indicates that driver behaviour is a greater factor than a high center of gravity in determining a vehicles overall roll-over rate. The single most effective driver behaviour that can reduce the risk of injury or death in all crashes including roll-over, is to ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT and to properly restrain all child passengers in the rear seat in an appropriate child safety seat. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Other measures that can reduce the risk of injury and death from vehicle crashes and roll-over are: •Limit speed. Posted speed limits should never be exceeded, and you should always drive below these limits whenever traffic, weather, road or other conditions dictate. Always use your common sense and good judgement. •Take curves at reasonable speeds, avoiding unnecessary braking. •Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather conditions. Avoid risk taking behaviour such as following too close, rapid lane changing or abrupt manoeuvres. •Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. •Avoid distractions such as cellular phone calling, reading, eating, drinking or reaching for items on the floor. •Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and flash your turn signal lights. •Always leave room for unexpected events such as sudden braking. •Never operate your vehicle when you have consumed alcohol, are sleepy or fatigued or have taken any medications that affect judgement, reflexes or alertness. •Many vehicle rollovers occur when a driver attempts to bring a vehicle back onto the road after some or all of the wheels drift onto the shoulder of the road, especially when the shoulder is unpaved. If you find yourself in such a situation, do not initiate any sharp or abrupt steering and/or braking manoeuvres to re-enter the roadway. Instead, let the vehicle slow down as much as safely possible before attempting to re-enter the roadway and keep your wheels as straight as possible while re-entering the roadway.
On-Road Driving 165 FUEL ECONOMY Fuel consumption is influenced by two major factors: •How your vehicle is maintained. •How you drive your vehicle. To obtain optimum fuel economy, it is essential that your vehicle is maintained in accordance with the manufacturers service schedule. Items such as the condition of the air cleaner element, tire pressures and wheel alignment will have a significant effect on fuel consumption. But, above all, the way in which you drive is most important. The following hints may help you to obtain better value from your motoring: •Avoid unnecessary, short, start-stop journeys. •Avoid fast starts by accelerating gently and smoothly from rest. •Do not drive in the lower gears for longer than necessary. •Decelerate gently and avoid sudden and heavy braking. •Anticipate obstructions and adjust your speed accordingly well in advance. •When stationary in traffic, select neutral to improve fuel economy and air conditioning performance. BREAKDOWN SAFETY IMPORTANT INFORMATION Remember the breakdown safety code If a breakdown occurs while travelling: •Wherever possible, consistent with road safety and traffic conditions, the vehicle should be moved off the main thoroughfare, preferably onto the shoulder as far as possible. If a breakdown occurs on a motorway, pull well over to the inside of the hard shoulder. •Switch on hazard warning lamps. •If possible, position a warning triangle or a flashing amber light at an appropriate distance from the vehicle to warn other traffic of the breakdown, (note the legal requirements of some countries). •Consider evacuating passengers through the doors facing away from traffic, to a safe area away from the vehicle, as a precaution in case your Freelander is accidentally struck by another vehicle.
167 Off-Road Driving Off-Road Driving BEFORE YOU DRIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 AFTER DRIVING OFF-ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 SERVICING REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Driving Techniques DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY SAND . . 173 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES (ice, snow, mud, wet grass). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 TRAVERSING A SLOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 NEGOTIATING A V SHAPED GULLY. . . . . . . . . 176 DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS . . . . . . 176 CROSSING A RIDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 CROSSING A DITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 WADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Off-Road Driving 169 Off-Road Driving Off-Road DrivingBEFORE YOU DRIVE Before venturing off-road, it is absolutely essential that inexperienced drivers become fully familiar with the vehicles controls and also study the off-road driving techniques described on the following pages. WARNING Off-road driving can be hazardous. •DO NOT take unnecessary risks and be prepared for emergencies at all times. •Your Freelander has a higher ground clearance and hence, a higher centre of gravity than an ordinary passenger car. An abrupt manoeuvre at an inappropriate speed or on an unstable surface, could cause the vehicle to go out of control. •Familiarise yourself with the recommended driving techniques in order to minimise risks to yourself, your vehicle AND your passengers. •Always ensure that seat belts are worn for personal protection while driving on-road or off-road. •DO NOT drive off-road alone or without letting someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. WARNING •Always wear a seat belt for personal protection in all off-road driving situations. •DO NOT drive if the fuel level is low - undulating ground and steep inclines could cause fuel starvation to the engine and consequent damage to the catalytic converter. •DO NOT stop the engine while driving through water (wading) - water ingress to the exhaust tailpipe could result in severe damage to the catalytic converter.
Off-Road Driving 170 BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES These basic driving techniques are an introduction to the art of off-road driving and do not necessarily provide the information needed to successfully cope with every single off-road situation. We strongly recommend that owners who intend to drive off-road frequently, should seek as much additional information and practical experience as possible. Before driving off-road it is important that you check the condition of the wheels and tires and that the tire pressures are correct. Worn or incorrectly inflated tires will adversely affect the performance, stability and safety of the vehicle. Gear selection On automatic models, with the main selector lever set at D, the gearbox automatically provides the correct gear for the majority of off-road conditions. Remember that position 1 will hold the gearbox in first gear to give maximum engine braking when required. When descending very steep slopes, always select position 1 and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Braking As far as possible, vehicle speed should be controlled through correct gear selection and the use of Hill Descent Control (HDC). Application of the brake pedal should be kept to a minimum. In fact, if the correct gear and HDC have been selected, braking will be largely unnecessary. If the brake pedal is depressed when HDC is active, HDC is overridden and the brakes will perform as normal. If the brake pedal is then released, HDC will recommence operation, if necessary.Hill descent control (HDC) During a descent, if engine braking is insufficient to control the vehicle speed, HDC (if selected) automatically operates the brakes to slow the vehicle and maintain a speed relative to the accelerator pedal position When driving off-road, HDC can be permanently engaged, to ensure that control is maintained whenever 1st or reverse gears are selected. ABS and Traction control are still fully operational and will assist if the need arises. NOTE: With HDC selected, gear changes can be carried out in the normal way. Accelerating Use the accelerator with care - any sudden surge of power may induce wheel spin and, therefore, invoke unnecessary operation of traction control, or in extreme conditions could lead to loss of control of the vehicle.