DRIVING
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
- Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
- Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
- Make sure the hood is securely closed.
- Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left under the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period, inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small animal. Also check under the hood for leftover flammable materials after you or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
- Make sure the tires are in good condition.
- Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
Interior Checks
- Store or secure all items on board properly.
- Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
- Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor mats.
- If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
- Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
- Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
- Make sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the seats.
- Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
- Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the vehicle, and go off soon after.
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
- Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
- Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
- Do not modify your vehicle in any way that raises its center of gravity.
- Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura accessory).
In addition:
- During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
- Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause crash or rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or killed. Follow all instructions and guidelines in this guide. Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING: Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories and modifications.
Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe. See the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
- Maximum load for a vehicle with second-row bench seats: 1,173 lbs (532 kg).
- Maximum load for a vehicle with second-row captain seats: 1,005 lbs (456 kg).
Label Example
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the steps for determining the correct load limit:
- Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
- Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
- Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
- The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
- Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
- If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual on the Owner Information CD or at owners.acura.com to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
