Caution: To avoid damage to the gearshift mechanism inside the gearbox due to solidified oil, do not apply excessive force to the gearshift lever or engage gears with force (sharpness).
The driving technique for a front-wheel drive car is specific and somewhat different from the driving technique for a rear-wheel drive car, especially when cornering. When approaching a turn, it is necessary to evaluate it in advance and, depending on the radius of the turn and the condition of the road surface, reduce the speed, drive through the turn in the "tension" mode, gradually increasing the engine crankshaft speed. This makes it possible to drive through a turn steadily even on slippery sections, avoiding sudden braking or abruptly releasing the accelerator pedal in a turn, which can lead to loss of traction of the wheels with the road and, accordingly, to loss of control over the vehicle.
If possible, drive without sudden acceleration and deceleration, as this leads to increased tire wear and increased fuel consumption. Fuel consumption also increases with insufficient air pressure in the tires, with worn or dirty spark plugs, and when using engine oils with a higher viscosity than recommended.
Attention! Abrupt starting, including with the handbrake on, turning with front wheel slippage at maximum engine speed is not allowed!
Fuel consumption also increases when towing a trailer. In addition, when towing a trailer, the load on the body, engine and transmission increases, which reduces their service life. While driving, monitor the operation of various systems using the corresponding instruments and indicators. Under normal conditions, the red light indicators should not be on - their activation signals the need to have the relevant system checked by dealers.
When driving through puddles, reduce speed to avoid hydroplaning, which can cause skidding or loss of control. Worn tires increase this danger.
Warning! To avoid engine damage caused by water entering the engine cylinders through the air intake, do not drive through water accumulations deeper than 300 mm. Driving through relatively deep water accumulations should be done at the lowest possible speed to avoid the formation of a wave capable of flooding the engine air intake.
After driving through puddles, as well as after washing the car or during prolonged driving on a wet road, when water gets into the brake mechanisms of the wheels, perform several smooth braking actions while driving to dry the discs, drums and brake linings.
Warning! Be especially careful and cautious in the first minutes after the rain starts, as wet dust on the road surface forms a slippery film, which sharply reduces the tires' grip on the road.
Attention! After crossing fords or deep puddles and if you intend to park the car for a long time, it is necessary to provide a short run of the car to dry the units in order to avoid corrosion damage to the clutch release bearing and the front and rear wheel hub bearings.
When overtaking in rainy weather, turn on the windshield wiper to the maximum setting (see section "Windscreen wiper switch") - this will help to avoid loss of visibility due to possible water being thrown out from under the wheels of the vehicle being overtaken. It is advisable to take such precautions even if you are overtaken.
Driving in winter
In freezing temperatures, before turning on the windshield wipers for the first time during a trip, you must check whether the brushes are frozen to the glass. If the windshield wiper blades are frozen to the windshield, use the functions of the ventilation and heating system control unit (see section "Control of the ventilation and heating system of the passenger compartment") until the wiper blades are completely thawed. When driving in snowy conditions, if the windshield wiper is unable to remove snow from the windshield and an ice crust begins to form on it, use the functions of the ventilation and heating system control unit (see section "Control of the ventilation and heating system of the passenger compartment"). Once the windshield is warm enough and the ice has melted, remove it using the windshield wipers.
When the car is moving, after a long period of parking, hydraulic noises may appear in the front and rear shock absorbers, perceived as a "knocking" of the suspension. The noises will decrease and completely disappear as the shock absorbers warm up during movement.
Warning! Snow build-up on the windshield wiper arms will make it difficult for them to operate properly. Stop in compliance with the traffic rules, turn off the windshield wipers and remove snow.
Be very careful on wet or slippery road surfaces - avoid sudden braking and abrupt pressing and releasing of the accelerator pedal. To do this, drive the car smoothly, without making any sudden movements of the steering wheel. Reduce speed by gradually shifting to lower gears in the gearbox with partial braking using the service brakes. If, despite everything, the car starts to skid, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and smoothly operate the steering wheel and gas pedal to straighten the car.
Ice often forms at intersections due to wheel slippage when starting off. Therefore, when approaching such places, begin to reduce speed in advance, on a dry section.
Driving in mountainous areas
Attention! When driving uphill, shift to lower gears in the gearbox in a timely manner, preventing engine overload and vehicle jerks.
On long descents, use the engine in braking mode (accelerator pedal released with gear engaged) with partial use of service brakes.
Warning! Do not descend with the clutch disengaged and using only the service brakes. This will cause the brakes to heat up and the brake fluid to boil. Keep in mind that as altitude increases, the boiling point of the brake fluid decreases. Boiling of brake fluid in the wheel cylinders means complete failure of the service brakes - the brake pedal fails.
In mountainous areas, keep to the right side of the road. The narrower road width and complex route profile require more attention and caution. When stopping on an uphill or downhill slope, turn the steering wheel all the way so that if the car starts moving on its own, its wheels rest against the curb.
On a slippery road, do not start driving up a steep hill until the car in front has reached the top. The car is equipped with a system that holds the car in place from rolling down a slope for 2-3 seconds. The system also functions on a slope when reversing uphill (see below subsection "Function of NNS").
Engine overheating
If the engine coolant temperature gauge needle remains in the red zone for a long time or the corresponding indicator in the instrument cluster flashes, you must stop at an authorized location, taking precautions, and turn off the engine. Taking precautions to avoid burning your hands, open the hood and check the coolant level in the expansion tank.
If there is no possibility of an emergency stop, it is permissible to turn on the climate control system in the maximum cabin heating mode to reduce the coolant temperature.