Running in
To obtain the maximum service life of the vehicle and its economical operation, the following rules should be followed during the initial period of vehicle operation.
Operate the vehicle on roads of varying quality and avoid prolonged driving with constant engine speed and constant speed (both high and low).
The first 1,500 km of running is spent grinding in the moving parts of the engine. For up to 1000 km, do not fully depress the gas pedal, do not drive with a trailer, do not drive at a speed greater than 75% of the maximum permissible speed, and do not increase the revs by more than 3/4 of the maximum. From 1000 to 1500 km of mileage, the speed and revs can be gradually increased to maximum values. Avoid "harsh" driving style, change gears in a timely manner and avoid excessive loads on the engine. On models with manual transmission, do not drive at too low revs.
New brake pads do not provide full braking efficiency during the first 200 km of mileage. Reduced efficiency during this period can be compensated for by pressing the brake pedal harder. During the break-in period, avoid sudden braking and situations that require high loads on the brakes. For example, when driving in too dense traffic. New tires require a break-in period of approximately 500 km. During this period, the vehicle may exhibit unusual dynamic characteristics - refrain from excessively high speeds.
Overcoming water obstacles
Moving through water obstacles is permitted only in emergency situations. In this case, the water should not be higher than the lower edge of the body in the space between the doors, and the speed should not exceed the speed of a pedestrian. Such trips should not be the norm. If water gets into the air filter, it can damage the engine. Always turn off the system before crossing an entry barrier "Start-Stop" (see Section 18).
When driving through a water obstacle, special care should be taken. Move slowly without stopping. First, you should make sure that there are no holes or open wells under the water. A strong current can sweep away a car.
After crossing a water obstacle, at the first safe section of the road, do the following:
- lightly depress the brake pedal and check if full braking is achieved;
- check the horn;
- make sure that the vehicle's lighting equipment is fully operational;
- check the operation of the power steering.
Driving through salt water is not allowed as salt causes corrosion. After overcoming the salt water obstacle, the body should be washed with fresh water.
Using a vehicle off-road
Models with all-wheel drive "4x4" can be used both on and off-road. However, the difficulties should not be underestimated. The vehicle's obstacle-handling characteristics are specified in Specifications. If the road becomes difficult to pass, turn around and look for an easier route. If necessary, explore the area on foot beforehand. Off-road driving requires a certain amount of experience and knowledge. It is recommended to go off-road in two cars so that you can help each other.
Avoid driving on slopes and ramps at excessive speed. This could result in the wheels lifting off the ground and loss of control of the vehicle. If the vehicle is raised, always set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position, otherwise the vehicle may tip over when it hits the ground.
When driving on a slope or over bumps, low fuel levels can cause the engine to run rough due to inconsistent fuel supply. This in turn can lead to temporary failure of the power steering and other auxiliary systems. Also remember that fuel consumption when driving off-road is higher than when driving on the highway.
If stones or other objects are placed under the wheels to increase traction, there should be no people in front of or behind the wheel, as they may be injured by objects flying out from under the wheel.
For off-road driving, the car has increased ground clearance, so its center of gravity is higher than that of passenger cars. Increasing the height of the center of gravity increases the vehicle's tendency to roll over. The load on the roof rack makes an additional contribution to increasing the height of the center of gravity. Therefore, you should not exceed the speed limit on turns. When stopping a tilted vehicle, exit from the door on the higher side.
Press the gas pedal only as much as necessary, as intensive acceleration may cause wheel slippage. When overcoming a difficult off-road section, do not press the clutch pedal or change gears, as this will increase the rolling resistance of the wheels (when moving uphill or on sand) the vehicle may stop and subsequent movement may be difficult in such conditions. On soft ground, you should drive at a speed appropriate to the ground in the highest possible gear. Use the "Offroad" mode (see Section 24). On DSG models it may be necessary to select gears manually (see Section 23).
Before driving in snowy areas, you should put anti-skid chains on the front wheels (see Specifications). Remember that there may be holes, rocks or stumps hidden under the snow.
Climbs should be climbed slowly and in a straight line. Never stop or turn on a slope. If further climbing the slope is impossible, roll down it in a straight line in reverse gear. If, when driving downhill, the vehicle begins to slide to the side and tilt due to the characteristics of the ground, immediately direct it along the shortest path down.
Cross long ditches at an acute angle. If you enter a ditch at a right angle (with both front wheels at once), the car may land on its bottom.