Proud owner of an SUV purchased from a Dilawri dealer? Congratulations. But remember that SUVs handle differently from other passenger cars and have special safety requirements. A few thoughts on keeping your SUV driving safer:

1.   Proper Tire Inflation is a key issue with SUVs: the             higher center of gravity and heavier loading of these         vehicles can cause excessive roll or swaying if the           tires are underinflated. Make it a habit to check tire           pressure frequently, and to keep pressures within             manufacture’s recommended values. If you need             help with proper pressures, give us a quick call.

2.   Unless your SUV has three row seating, the                       “Wayback” area is intended for cargo, not kids. So           keep the munchkins in their proper place. Children           are generally safer in rear seats, and of course                 younger children should be placed in child or booster       seats, in accordance with local law.

3.   On long trips, it’s natural to recline the front                       passenger seat a bit and catch a snooze. But avoid         reclining the seatback too far—in a collision, fully               reclined passengers don’t receive the optimal                   restraint benefits of their seatbelts.  

4.   For new SUV drivers, that “Kingly” driving position of         an SUV seems invincible: far above the fray. But               avoid overconfidence, and don’t forget that the high           position won’t prevent accidents or greatly reduce             their severity. 

5.   Adjust to your SUV when you take delivery:                       maneuvering a larger vehicle into small areas can be       tricky, especially when you’re accustomed to driving         a smaller car.

6.   SUVs are often heavier than traditional passenger             sedans, so allow extra time to accelerate and to stop.       And wherever possible, minimize the effect of an               SUV’s weight and high center of gravity by braking             and accelerating in a straight line.

7.   The view from an SUV may seem panoramic—until         you find yourself carrying three kids, a dog, and a             balloon sculpture to a birthday party. Then it’s time to       clear your sightlines, by stowing excess gear and             making sure the kids and the pooch aren’t blocking           your view.

8.   All wheel Drive is a wonderful technology that greatly         increases your ability to go in snow. But remember           that your stopping power is no greater than a front             wheel drive or rear-drive car. Don’t blast down that           snowy roadway thanking you can stop as fast as you       can go!

9.   Certain aspects of SUV design also pose safety               considerations for smaller cars: SUV headlight                 placement, for example, can cause glare. So be               conscious of your vehicle’s effect on other drivers.

10. Don’t overload your SUV or truck. Check to see what       the manufacturer weight and weight distributions are.       If you are road tripping and have the SUV or truck fully       loaded, you might stop by a truckstop to get weighed.