Driving an SUV can make you feel safer due to the size of the car, but it also provides "challenges" for the driver. SUVs can be prone to rollovers, and while they come equipped with all-terrain options, they are not fully equipped for them. Fortunately, driving an SUV is safe if you know what you are doing.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Prepare to Drive
Step 1. Keep the tires calibrated
Tire pressure is more important in SUVs than in other smaller cars, precisely because of the size and weight of the car. SUVs are heavier than most cars, are prone to rollover, and are sometimes driven off-road. No matter how you use the SUV, the tires must always be calibrated to avoid an accident.
- Use the tire pressure recommended in the manual or on the sticker on the door sill on the driver's side. This is the best source for the correct pressure for your tires.
- Do not use the values that appear on the side of the tire, as those values indicate the maximum pressure that the tire can withstand.
- Check your tire pressure once a month and after sudden changes in temperature, such as the first hot day of the year or after a cold front.
- Test the tires after the car has been stationary for a certain amount of time. Use a tire gauge at home or at a service station. Compare the reading obtained with the recommended tire pressure. If the reading is lower than the recommended pressure, inflate the tires. If it's higher than recommended, push the valve to let some air out.
Step 2. Take a look around the car before you get into the driver's seat
Since SUVs are quite tall, it is difficult to see if there are objects, animals or people around the car when you are sitting in the driver's seat. Before getting in the car, take a quick look around to make sure the area is clear.
Step 3. Adjust the mirrors
Check your rear view mirror and side mirrors to make sure you have the best possible visibility to the rear and around the car. SUVs are large cars, so you will need to have the best field of vision to be able to drive them safely.
The rear view mirror should be aligned directly with the rear window so that you have a full view of what is happening behind the car. The side mirrors should be slightly angled so that they show only a small part of the side of the car. For the best view around the car, tilt the mirror just enough so that the car is almost out of sight
Part 2 of 5: Driving in Good Weather
Step 1. Avoid distractions
Keep your eyes on the road at all times. When you drive an SUV, you have to pay twice as much attention compared to other types of cars, since a large car takes time to brake. While driving, don't use the phone, eat, or play on the radio.
Step 2. Accelerate little by little
Big cars need to gradually increase speed. Applying full throttle can make it difficult to control the car.
Step 3. Leave extra space between your car and the one in front of you
Because an SUV weighs more than a small car, it needs more space to stop. If you brake as usual, the SUV takes longer to stop due to its weight. Avoid getting too close to the cars in front of you, as you may not have enough space to stop the car.
An easy way to determine the safe distance is to use the "three-second rule." Pick a landmark, like a road sign. When the car in front of you passes the sign, count how many seconds it takes you to pass the sign. There should be a minimum of three seconds between your car and the other. In an SUV, it is better to leave more than three seconds
Part 3 of 5: Prevent Rollovers
Step 1. Avoid moving the steering wheel too far sideways
As tempting as it may be to correct the driving direction, with the SUV, you are more likely to roll over. Keep your hands firmly on the wheel and slowly apply the brakes as you maneuver to avoid obstacles in the way.
Step 2. Slow down on curvy roads
You can lose control of driving an SUV very easily on curvy roads, which can lead to a rollover. Slow down and try to anticipate curves when driving down a winding road.
- It's best to drive slow enough so that you hardly have to turn the wheel when cornering.
- The safe speed on separating roads is between 32 and 48 km / h (20 and 30 mph), while in tight curves, the safe speed is between 16 and 24 km / h (10 and 15 mph).
Step 3. Avoid turning suddenly
Sharp turns change the weight of the car and can cause you to lose control, which can lead to a rollover. Slow down before a turn or lightly apply the brakes as you approach the turn.
When you can, avoid making a sharp turn and return to your original destination. While this is not possible on a winding road, it is when you pass a highway exit
Step 4. Avoid storing objects on the roof of the car
Storing objects on the roof of the SUV causes the center of gravity of the SUV to change and increases the risk of a rollover. As a way to stay safe, keep things in the car.
Part 4 of 5: Driving in Bad Weather
Step 1. Drive slower than you would in a small car
SUVs are all-wheel drive, so they can accelerate faster than a normal car, but they don't stop as fast. In fact, due to their sizes, they take longer to stop. It is best to drive slowly so that you can stop in a reasonable space.
Slow down by at least 10 miles (15 kilometers) below the speed limit
Step 2. Avoid driving off-road in bad weather
If you want to drive the SUV off-road, it is best to do it in good weather. Your car will not circulate properly on wet, muddy or icy terrain. The four-wheel drive does not make the car invulnerable in poor condition.
Step 3. Drive in the center lane the roads are wet
Water tends to collect on the sides of the road, so the center lane will have the least water on the road. Wet roads can cause hydroplaning and will make the car more difficult to stop.
Step 4. Slow down on wet or icy roads
Wet or icy roads can cause hydroplaning and make it difficult to stop the car. To handle the car well and be in control of it to avoid dangerous situations, slow down.
- Accelerate and brake little by little without being impulsive.
- Try to drive slowly especially around intersections, bridges, overpasses, exit ramps, and dark places, as they are susceptible to black ice.
- Whenever possible, it is best to drive at least 15 kilometers (10 miles) below the speed limit.
Step 5. Avoid using cruise control on icy roads
When there is ice on the roads, you have to have full control of the car and the cruise control takes away a little of this control. Increase and decrease speed using only the accelerator and brake in these types of conditions.
Part 5 of 5: Driving on rough terrain
Step 1. Avoid very rough terrain
Most SUVs are not made for extreme conditions. Unless the SUV you drive specifies that it is made for extreme terrain, choose only smooth roads, such as dirt roads, firm ground, and flat areas.
Step 2. Let people know where you are going and for how long
This is mainly for when you want to go somewhere remote or if you are alone. If something happens and the car is stuck or disabled, you will need someone to know where to look for you.
You may not have a signal on your phone when you are in remote locations, so be sure to tell someone where you are going before you go
Step 3. Secure all cargo
While driving off-road, loose cargo shifts and can cause the car's center of gravity to shift. This could put you at risk of an accident or rollover.
Try to tie up the load and put most of the things in the back of the car, behind the seats
Step 4. Activate all-wheel drive
All-wheel drive helps you drive better on these terrains and prevents the car from stalling if some of its wheels lose traction or sink into the dirt.
Step 5. Use the Hill Descent Control
Even the less bumpy roads can have downgrades, so make sure the car has assist activated so it can stop if needed.
Step 6. Put the SUV in first gear
You have to drive as slow as possible and have full control over the car, so the best option for this is to use first gear. When driving off-road, you have to go as slow as possible.