Driving
4-Wheel Drive Information

Welcome to Isuzu 4-wheel drive ownership. Your Isuzu 4x4 is ready and willing to take you wherever your sense of adventure leads.

Whether you've experienced the rugged capability of an Isuzu 4-wheel drive vehicle or are still testing yours out, become familiar with the information found in your owner's manual and the booklet Driving Your 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle. We have outlined some general dos and don'ts in this section, but those materials -- provided in the glove compartment of your new Isuzu 4x4 -- will give you a more comprehensive understanding of your Isuzu 4-wheel drive's unique operation characteristics and handling.

General Safety Tip Warnings
Avoid unnecessary sharp turns and other abrupt maneuvers that could lead to loss of control, rollover and, ultimately, injury to driver and passengers.

Use only the same type and size of tires and wheels, as well as tire inflation pressure, that came with your vehicle from the factory. Modifications may affect the handling of your vehicle, possibly making it easier to lose control, roll over and cause injury.

Be sure that all vehicle occupants wear their seat belts at all times to lessen the risk of injury or ejection from the vehicle. Infants and small children should be provided with the appropriate safety restraints required by law.

Never allow unrestrained passengers to sit in the cargo area when the vehicle is in operation.

Safe 4x4 Driving on the Road
To avoid damage to the axles and drivelines, do not operate your vehicle in the 4-wheel drive mode on dry, hard-surfaced roads (i.e., highways, interstates and city streets). However, vehicles equipped with Torque-On-Demand® (TOD) may be operated on dry, hard-surfaced roads in the TOD mode.

Always approach curves at normal driving speed. Do not attempt to go as fast through turns as you might in a passenger car.

Drive slower under strong crosswind conditions. Strong crosswinds can alter the normal steering of your vehicle and could lead to loss of vehicle control.

Exercise caution when driving on slippery pavement (caused by sand, gravel, water, snow or ice) in order to maintain vehicle control.

WARNING: If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down but do not suddenly apply the brakes. Gradually bring the vehicle back onto the pavement after you have reduced speed, being careful not to turn the steering wheel too sharply.

Safe Off-Road Driving

Driving in Sand

  • Keep all four wheels on hard-packed or solid areas if possible.
  • Maintain ideal tire pressure.
  • Drive steadily in a lower gear.
  • Avoid excessive speed to reduce the risk of becoming stuck.
  • If you become stuck, try to back out the same way you entered.

Driving in Mud

  • Slowly apply pressure to the accelerator pedal.
  • Do not spin your wheels.
  • Exercise great caution when changing speed or direction to avoid sliding.
  • If your vehicle slides, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
  • After driving through deep mud, clean the tires and driveshafts of excess mud. Its excess weight can cause an imbalance in the vehicle, which can lead to loss of control and damage to parts.

Driving in Water

  • Know the depth of the water before entering it.
  • Do not drive in water deep enough to reach the wheel hubs.
  • Avoid splashing water -- if the ignition system becomes wet, your vehicle may stall.
  • Test the brakes after you leave the water -- wet brakes are less effective than dry ones. (To dry the brakes faster, slowly drive the vehicle while applying light pressure to the brake pedal.)
  • Do not drive in "fast moving" water.

Driving in Deep Snow

  • Drive in a lower gear, with steady pressure on the accelerator to keep from becoming stuck.
  • Tire chains are useful and in some cases necessary or required.
  • Never use tire chains only on the front wheels (to prevent "fishtailing": when the rear of the vehicle slides out of control during braking).

Driving on Hills

  • Try to drive on established roads or tracks.
  • Whenever possible, drive straight up or down a hill.
  • If obstacles prevent straight uphill or downhill driving, drive diagonally only if absolutely necessary to avoid sliding, loss of control, possible rollover and serious injury.
  • Never drive across the side of a hill or turn on steep slopes, in order to avoid loss of traction and possible rollover.
  • Never drive over the crest of a hill without first checking the other side.
  • Begin climbing hills in low gear so the engine will be less strained, thus reducing the chances of stalling.
  • Use only as much power as necessary to climb the hill (the tires may slip, spin or lose traction if there is too much power).
  • Come down a hill in the same low gear used when going up.
  • Do not descend the hill in neutral or with the clutch pressed.
  • Do not use the brakes excessively when driving downhill, to avoid overheating them.


See your owners manual for details.