Low range SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2009 Owner's Manual

8-6
EMERGENCY SERVICE
79K21-03E
64J196
Snow TiresYour vehicle is equipped with all-season
tires which are designed for use in summer
and most winter conditions. For improved
traction in severe winter conditions,
SUZUKI recommends mounting radial
snow tires on all four wheels. Snow tires
must be the same size as the standard
tires. Also be sure to use the tires of the
same type and brand on all four wheels of
your vehicle.
CAUTION
To avoid the removal of the spare
wheel full cover while driving, be
sure to fit the claws (3) of the outer
cover of the spare wheel full cover to
each hole (4) of the inner cover of the
spare wheel full cover.
(3)
(4)
WARNING
Vehicle equipped with P225/65R17
tires have a spare wheel and tire that
are a different size than the wheels
and tires on the vehicle. The spare
wheel and tire on these vehicles are
intended for temporary emergency
use only. The wheel is painted yellow
to remind you that the wheel and tire
are for temporary use only. Continu-
ous use of this spare can result in tire
failure and loss of control. Always
observe these precautions when
using this spare:
 Be aware that your vehicle will han-
dle differently with this temporary
spare.
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)
speed.
 Replace the temporary spare with a
standard tire and wheel as soon as
possible.
 Do not operate your vehicle in “4H
LOCK” or “4L LOCK” with this tem-
porary spare.
 Do not use tire chains on the spare
tire. If you must use tire chains,
rearrange the wheels so standard
tires and wheels are fitted to the
rear axle.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Replace the spare tire with a new
one as soon as the tread wear indi-
cator appears.
 When replacing the spare tire, use
a replacement tire with the exact
same size and construction.
If the Engine Overheats: 2, 9
If You Cannot Shift Automatic Transmission Gearshift Le-
ver Out of “P” (PARK): 2, 9

8-9EMERGENCY SERVICE
79K21-03E
If the Engine is FloodedIf the engine is flooded with gasoline, it
may be hard to start. If this happens, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. (Do not operate the starter motor
for more than 15 seconds).
If the Engine OverheatsThe engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating during driving:
1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.
2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and
park.
3) Let the engine run at normal idle speed
for a few minutes until the indicator is
within the normal, acceptable tempera-
ture range shown by the white band
between “H” and “C”.If the temperature indication does not
come down to within the normal, accept-
able range:
1) Turn off the engine and check that the
water pump belt and pulleys are not
damaged or slipping. If any abnormality
is found, correct it.
2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir.
If it is found to be lower than the “LOW”
line, look for leaks at the radiator, water
pump and radiator and heater hoses. If
you locate any leaks that may have
caused the overheating, do not run the
engine until these problems have been
corrected.
3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir and then the
radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine
Coolant” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section.)
WARNING
If you see or hear escaping steam,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and
immediately turn off the engine to let
it cool. Do not open the hood when
steam is present. When the steam
can no longer be seen or heard, open
the hood to see if the coolant is still
boiling. If it is, you must wait until it
stops boiling before you proceed.
Also, be careful not to touch hot
engine parts (radiator, water hoses,
engine etc.).

9-1APPEARANCE CARE
79K21-03E
Corrosion PreventionIt is important to take good care of your
vehicle to protect it from corrosion.
Listed below are instructions for how to
maintain your vehicle to prevent corrosion.
Please read and follow these instructions
carefully.Important Information About Corro-
sionCommon causes of corrosion
1) Accumulation of road salt, dirt, moisture
or chemicals in hard-to-reach areas of
the vehicle underbody or frame.
2) Chipping, scratches and any damage to
treated or painted metal surfaces
resulting from minor accidents or
impact from stones and gravel.
Environmental conditions which accel-
erate corrosion
1) Road salt, dust control chemicals, sea
air or industrial pollution will all acceler-
ate the corrosion of metal.
2) High humidity will increase the rate of
corrosion particularly when the temper-
ature range is just above the freezing
point.
3) Moisture in certain areas of a vehicle
for an extended period of time may pro-
mote corrosion even though other body
sections may be completely dry.
4) High temperatures will cause an accel-
erated rate of corrosion to parts of thevehicle which are not well ventilated to
permit quick drying.
52D151
This information illustrates the necessity of
keeping your vehicle (particularly the
underbody) as clean and dry as possible. It
is equally important to repair any damage
to the paint or protective coatings as soon
as possible.How to Help Prevent CorrosionWash your vehicle frequently
The best way to preserve the finish on your
vehicle and to help avoid corrosion is to
keep it clean with frequent washing.
Wash your vehicle at least once during the
winter and once immediately after the win-
ter. Keep your vehicle, particularly the
underside, as clean and dry as possible.If you frequently drive on salted roads, your
vehicle should be washed at least once a
month during the winter. If you live near the
ocean, your vehicle should be washed at
least once a month throughout the year.
Wash your vehicle immediately after using
it off-road. For washing instructions, refer
to the “Vehicle Cleaning” section.
Remove foreign material deposits
Foreign material such as salts, chemicals,
road oil or tar, tree sap, bird droppings and
industrial fall-out may damage the finish of
your vehicle if it is left on painted surfaces.
Remove these types of deposits as quickly
as possible. If these deposits are difficult to
wash off, an additional cleaner may be
required. Be sure that any cleaner you use
is not harmful to painted surfaces and is
specifically intended for your purposes.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions when
using these special cleaners.
WARNING
Foreign material can lodge between
the fuel tank of your vehicle and the
skid plate which covers it. You should
periodically clean out any foreign
material which has accumulated in
this area, since it could create a fire
hazard.
Corrosion Prevention: 5