ground clearance OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1998 Owners Manual

Driving Guidelines
This multipurpose passenger vehicle is defined as a
utility vehicle in Consumer Information Regulations
issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) of the United States
Department
of Transportation. Utility vehicles have
higher ground clearance and a narrower track to make
them capable of performing
in a wide variety of
off-road applications. Specific design characteristics
give them
a higher center of gravity than ordinary cars.
An advantage of
the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road allowing you
to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds
as conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at
all
possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As
with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result
in loss of control or
vehicle rollover.
Operating Your Bravada
Off Paved Roads
Many of the same design features that help make
Bravada responsive
on paved roads during poor weather
conditions
-- features like the locking rear axle and
all-wheel drive
-- help make it much better suited for
off-road use than
a conventional passenger car. Its
higher ground clearance also helps Bravada step over
some off-road obstacles.
But Bravada doesn‘t have
features like special underbody shielding and a transfer
case low gear range, things that are usually thought
necessary for extended or severe off-road service. This
guide is for operating your Bravada off paved roads.
Also, see “Anti-Lock Brakes” in the Index.
Off-road driving
can be great fun. But it does have some
definite hazards. The greatest of these is the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you’ve left the great North
American road system behind. Traffic lanes aren’t
marked. Curves aren’t banked. There are no road signs.
Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or downhill. In
short, you’ve gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that’s
why it’s very important that you read this guide.
You‘ll
find many driving tips and suggestions. These will help
make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable.
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Front Towing
Tow Limits -- 35 mph (55 k&), 50 miles (80 km)
You must use a towing dolly under the rear wheels when
towing from the front.
NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or
fascidfog lamp damage will occur. Use wheel-lift
or car-carrier equipment. Additional ramping
may be required for car-carrier equipment. Use
safety chains and wheel straps.
Towing
a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from
vehicle
to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift
equipment. To help avoid damage, install a
towing dolly and raise the vehicle until adequate
clearance is obtained between the ground and/or
wheel-lift equipment.
Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to
suspension components when using car-carrier
equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the
T-hook
slots.
5-11
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NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or rear
bumper valance damage will occur. Use wheel-lift
or car-carrier equipment. Additional ramping
may be required for car-carrier equipment. Use
safety chains and wheel straps.
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage
a vehicle. Damage can occur from
vehicle
to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift
equipment.
To help avoid damage, install a
towing dolly and raise the vehicle until adequate
clearance is obtained between the ground and/or
wheel-lift equipment.
Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to
suspension components when using car-carrier
equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the
T-hook slots.
5-12
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NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire
clearance to the body and chassis.
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for
more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
/1 MI CP ““‘3N:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or
hotv
far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident.
If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
NOTICE:
______
Don’t use tire chains. They can damage your
vehicle because there’s not enough clearance.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device
if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame
if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
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