Cadillac escalade 2000 User Manual

While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to 
slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues 

--

 such as enough water, ice or packed snow on

the road to make a “mirrored surface” 

--

 and slow 

down when you have any doubt.

Remember: Any anti

-

lock brake system (ABS) helps

avoid only the braking skid.

This off

-

road guide is for vehicles that have 

four

-

wheel drive.

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.

There are some things to do before you go out. For
example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and
service work done. Check to make sure all underbody
shields (if so equipped) are properly attached. 
Be sure you read all the information about your
four

-

wheel

-

drive vehicle in this manual. Is there enough

fuel? Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid levels
up where they should be? What are the local laws that
apply to off

-

roading where you’ll be driving? If you

don’t know, you should check with law enforcement
people in the area. Will you be on someone’s private
land? If so, be sure to get the necessary permission.

There are some important things to remember about
how to load your vehicle.
D The heaviest things should be on the load floor and

forward of your rear axle. Put heavier items as far
forward as you can.

D Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on

the off

-

road terrain doesn’t toss things around.