tires INFINITI FX 2010 User Guide

●Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunctions in
the ignition, fuel injection, or electrical sys-
tems can cause overrich fuel flow into the
three-way catalyst, causing it to overheat.
Do not keep driving if the engine misfires, or
if noticeable loss of performance or other
unusual operating conditions are detected.
Have the vehicle inspected promptly by an
INFINITI retailer.
● Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause the
engine to misfire, damaging the three-way
catalyst.
● Do not race the engine while warming it up.
● Do not push or tow your vehicle to start the
engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects
a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continu-
ously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not beable to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Additional information
●
The TPMS does not monitor the tire pressure
of the spare tire.
● The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle
is driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h).
Also, this system may not detect a sudden
drop in tire pressure (for example a flat tire
while driving).
● The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure
is adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the
recommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to
activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire
pressure warning light. Use a tire pressure
gauge to check the tire pressure.
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●Tire pressure rises and falls depending on
the heat caused by the vehicle’s operation
and the outside temperature. Low outside
temperature can lower the temperature of
the air inside the tire which can cause a
lower tire inflation pressure. This may cause
the low tire pressure warning light to illumi-
nate. If the warning light illuminates in low
ambient temperature, check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires.
● You can also check the pressure of all tires
(except the spare tire) on the display screen.
The order of the tire pressure figures dis-
played on the screen does not correspond
with the actual order of the tire position. See
“TIRE PRESSURE information” in the “4.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice
recognition systems” section.
For additional information, see “Low tire pres-
sure warning light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section and “TIRE PRESSURE MONI-
TORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.WARNING
● If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates or LOW PRESSURE information is dis-
played on the monitor screen while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage the
tires and increase the likelihood of tire fail-
ure. Serious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could result in
serious personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label to turn the low tire pressure warning
light OFF. If the light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as possible. (See
“FLAT TIRE” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section for changing a flat tire.) ●
When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, the TPMS will not function and the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire
sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.
CAUTION
● The TPMS may not function properly when
the wheels are equipped with tire chains or
the wheels are buried in snow.
● Do not place metalized film or any metal
parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows. This
may cause poor reception of the signals from
the tire pressure sensors, and the TPMS will
not function properly.
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OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If
this occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on
the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheelwith both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the ac- celerator pedal to gradually slow the ve-
hicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle to follow the road while the ve-
hicle speed is reduced. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle back onto the road sur-
face until vehicle speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires return
to the road surface. When all tires are on
the road surface, steer the vehicle to stay
in the appropriate driving lane.
●If you decide that it is not safe to return
the vehicle to the road surface based on
vehicle, road or traffic conditions, gradu-
ally slow the vehicle to a stop in a safe
place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged due
to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure
loss can also be caused by driving on under-
inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at high-
way speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by main-
taining the correct air pressure and visually
inspect the tires for wear and damage. See
“WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out”
while driving maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on
the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the chance
of losing control of the vehicle if there is a
sudden loss of tire air pressure. Losing control
of the vehicle may cause a collision and result
in personal injury.
● The vehicle generally moves or pulls in the
direction of the flat tire.
● Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
● Do not rapidly release the accelerator pedal.
● Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel
with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the ac- celerator pedal to gradually slow the ve-
hicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe loca- tion off the road and away from traffic if
possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop the vehicle.
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●Unsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Properly se-
cure all cargo so it will not be thrown forward
and cause injury to you or your passengers.
● To avoid raising the center of gravity exces-
sively, do not exceed the rated capacity of
the roof rack (if so equipped) and evenly dis-
tribute the load. Secure heavy loads in the
cargo area as far forward and as low as pos-
sible. Do not equip the vehicle with tires
larger than specified in this manual. This
could cause your vehicle to roll over.
● Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steer-
ing wheel when driving off-road. The steer-
ing wheel could move suddenly and injure
your hands. Instead drive with your fingers
and thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Before operating the vehicle, ensure that the
driver and all passengers have their seat
belts fastened.
● Always drive with the floor mats in place as
the floor may became hot.
● Lower your speed when encountering strong
crosswinds. With a higher center of gravity,
your INFINITI is more affected by strong side
winds. Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control. ●
Do not drive beyond the performance capa-
bility of the tires, even with AWD engaged.
● For AWD equipped vehicles, do not attempt
to raise two wheels off the ground and shift
the transmission to any drive or reverse po-
sition with the engine running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal injury.
● Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped ve-
hicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such as
the dynamometers used by some states for
emissions testing), or similar equipment
even if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure you inform test facil-
ity personnel that your vehicle is equipped
with AWD before it is placed on a dynamom-
eter. Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal injury. (AWD
models)
● When a wheel is off the ground due to an
unlevel surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively.
● Accelerating quickly, sharp steering maneu-
vers or sudden braking may cause loss of
control. ●
If at all possible, avoid sharp turning maneu-
vers, particularly at high speeds. Your ve-
hicle has a higher center of gravity than a
conventional passenger car. The vehicle is
not designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional passenger cars. Fail-
ure to operate this vehicle correctly could
result in loss of control and/or a rollover
accident.
● Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Install tire chains on the rear wheels when
driving on slippery roads and drive carefully.
● Be sure to check the brakes immediately af-
ter driving in mud or water. See “BRAKE SYS-
TEM” later in this section for wet brakes.
● Avoid parking your vehicle on steep hills. If
you get out of the vehicle and it rolls forward,
backward or sideways, you could be injured.
● Whenever you drive off-road through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub, more
frequent maintenance may be required. See
the maintenance information in the “INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide”.
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●Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head
restraints/headrests.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
● If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion to start cranking the engine. After 5
or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal
by depressing the brake
pedal and pushing the push-button igni-
tion switch to start the engine. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start,
push the ignition switch to OFF and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather. In cold weather, keep the
engine running for a minimum of 2 - 3
minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
5. To stop the engine, shift the selector lever
to the P (Park) position and push the
ignition switch to the OFF position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
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The IBA system will remain in the last ON or OFF
state it was left in until it is manually changed
by pressing the IBA OFF switch.
Illumination of the IBA OFF indicator light with-
out the warning chime sound is an indication
that the IBA system is temporarily unavailable.
It will occur under the following conditions:
– When driving into a strong light (for example,sunlight)
The IBA OFF indicator light will turn off when the
system returns to its normal operating condi-
tions.
For the sensor maintenance, see “INTELLIGENT
CRUISE CONTROL (ICC) SYSTEM (FULL SPEED
RANGE)” earlier in this section.CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow
these recommendations to obtain maximum
engine performance and ensure the future reli-
ability and economy of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and reduced en-
gine performance.
● Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
● Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
● Avoid quick starts.
● Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
● Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km). ●
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
● Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
● Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
● Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
● Avoid unnecessary prolonged engine idling.
● Keep your engine tuned up.
● Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
● Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Improper tire pressure will increase
wear and waste fuel.
● Make sure the front wheels are properly
aligned. Improper alignment will cause pre-
mature tire wear and lower fuel economy.
● Climate control operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
● When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
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The AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. It
turns off soon after the engine is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
while the engine is running, the warning light
will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about twice
per second) while trying to free a stuck vehicle
due to high power train oil temperature. The
driving mode may change to two-wheel drive. If
the warning light blinks rapidly during opera-
tion, stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a
safe place immediately. Then if the light goes
off after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning
light blink slowly (about once per two seconds).
Pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. Check that all tire sizes are the same,
tire pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is blinking after the above
operation, have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
WARNING
●
For AWD equipped vehicles, do not attempt
to raise two wheels off the ground and shift
the transmission to any drive or reverse po-
sition with the engine running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal injury.
● Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped ve-
hicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such as
the dynamometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equipment
even if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure that you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is placed on a
dynamometer. Using the wrong test equip-
ment may result in drivetrain damage or un-
expected vehicle movement which could re-
sult in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
CAUTION
● Do not operate the engine on a free roller
when any of the wheels are raised.
SSD0336
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)
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How to handle the sensor
The sensor for the Preview Function is common
with Intelligent Cruise Control and is located
below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating prop-
erly, be sure to observe the following:
●Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe with a
soft cloth carefully so as not to damage the
sensor.
● Do not strike or damage the areas around
the sensor. Do not touch or remove the
screw located on the sensor. Doing so could
cause failure or malfunction. If the sensor is
damaged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
● Do not attach a sticker (including transpar-
ent material) or install an accessory near the
sensor. This could cause failure or malfunc-
tion.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
● The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough, gravel
or snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four wheels.
– When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See “TIRE AND LOADING INFORMA-
TION LABEL” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this
manual. – For detailed information, see “WHEELS
AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent the wheels from locking up.
Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
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●If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI recom-
mended or are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
both
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the
indicator may flash or bothandindicator lights may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface such as
a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the
indicator may flash or bothand
indicator lights may illuminate. This
is not a malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI rec-
ommended ones are used, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
in-
dicator may flash or both
andindicator lights may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road. The Rear Active Steer system is an electronically
controlled four-wheel steering system.
The angle of the rear wheels are adjusted by the
Rear Active Steer system, depending on the
vehicle speed and steering angle. The rear
wheels are designed to turn momentarily in the
opposite direction and then change to the same
direction as the front wheels.
At low speeds, the rear wheels will not turn and
the system functions as a two-wheel steering
system.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the Rear
Active Steer function will stop but the ordinary
two-wheel steering system will operate nor-
mally. The “RAS” warning light will illuminate. If
the light illuminates while driving, contact an
INFINITI retailer for repair.
WARNING
The Rear Active Steer system, although a so-
phisticated device, cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Ultimately the responsibility for
safety of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver. Therefore only through attentive
and careful driving methods can the Rear Active
Steer system be fully appreciated and safety
assured.
REAR ACTIVE STEER SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “BATTERY” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEM” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, INFINITI recommends the use of MUD
& SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
●A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very
cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to
drive on. The vehicle will have much less
traction or “grip” under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating or downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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