The cold winter weather has arrived and that means drivers need to be prepared for the unpredictable driving conditions. To keep drivers and their passengers safe on the road, Suzuki has compiled a list of recommendations for winterizing your car or truck. All-wheel drive vehicles such as Suzuki’s AWD Kizashi and AWD SX4 Crossover as well as four-wheel drive vehicles, such as Suzuki's 4WD Grand Vitara and 4WD Equator, are ideal as they are specifically designed to handle even the toughest of roads.
Before travelers begin their trip, they should check the weather and road conditions and be aware of current weather patterns and forecasts as well as road closures and detours.
All vehicles should be inspected before departure to ensure headlights and taillights are clear of ice, snow and mud. Functioning windshield wipers and wiper blades are also critical.
Drivers need to test their batteries regularly to make sure they are charging properly and have no corrosion at the connections.
Tire pressure and wear should be monitored, including the spare tire. Not only does it provide a safer ride but will also conserve fuel.
Antifreeze, oil, brake, transmission, power steering and wiper fluid levels and condition need to be checked as well. Correct levels can be found in the owner's manual from the vehicle.
Drivers and passengers must always wear their seat belts. Small children and infants should be correctly placed in properly secured vehicle seats or booster seats.
Tire chains are required for some roads across the country. Drivers should carry a set with them and practice putting them on before the trip.
Drivers need to remember to drive slower during winter weather. Therefore, they should leave early and allow plenty of time to get to their destination.
An emergency kit containing first aid supplies, a flashlight, blanket, bottled water, food and a cellular phone is essential. Drivers should also carry emergency road care items such as jumper cables, flares, a spare tire and a sign to alert other drivers they are in need of assistance.
With the increase in travel over the winter months, it is crucial that drivers make sure they do all they can to insure a safe arrival. Suzuki's line of cars and trucks offer a safe and comfortable ride for the journey.
Customer Service | Roadside Assistance | Loaner Vehicle Program | New Vehicle Warranty | Parts and Service
Q: How do I reach Suzuki's customer service?
A: Dial the toll-free # 800-934-0934
Q: Does Suzuki have a roadside assistance program?
A: Yes
Q: How does the program work?
A: Suzuki has a no cost Roadside Assistance Program for customers who have purchased a brand new Suzuki vehicle after September 1, 2001. You can take advantage of the program throughout the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty of your new Suzuki vehicle. If your vehicle is rendered inoperable, we will tow it to your nearest Suzuki service provider. If your battery is dead, we will jumpstart your battery. If you're locked out of your vehicle, we will unlock your door. If you have a flat tire, we will change it. If you run out of gas, we will bring you gas.
Q: Does Suzuki have a loaner vehicle program?
A: If your SUZUKI vehicle is rendered inoperable, unsafe or illegal to operate and is required to stay overnight at a participating SUZUKI authorized service provider to complete a warranty repair during the 36 month/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty period, your participating SUZUKI authorized service provider will provide a courtesy rental vehicle of its choice through an appointed rental company. See Additional Restrictions and Limitations below.‡
Q: What does the new vehicle limited warranty cover?
A: Suzuki provides a fully-transferrable new vehicle limited warranty for new 2012 vehicles. Most basic components are covered during the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty period*. Certain wear items, such as but not limited to wiper blades, brakes and clutch linings, tire rotation and balance, etc., are considered to be normal maintenance items, and are not covered under the limited warranty. Suzuki also provides a Powertrain Limited Warranty for new vehicles, which covers specific components within the engine, transmission, and driveline systems. This warranty extends for 7 years/100,000-miles* (or 5 years/60,000 miles* for vehicles originally sold as fleet vehicles). For additional information about Suzuki's new- vehicle warranties, please refer to the 2012 New Vehicle Warranty Information booklet or contact the service department at your local Suzuki service provider. * Whichever comes first
Q: How do I transfer my warranty?
A: The Suzuki Limited Warranty remains with the vehicle. In the back of the New Vehicle Warranty Information booklet, you will find a Change of Address or Ownership Card. Or, you may call our Customer Relations Dept. at (800) 934-0934 to obtain a Change of Address or Ownership Card.
Q: I am a Suzuki owner. Who should I contact when my vehicle needs service?
A: If your vehicle is in need of service, please contact your local Suzuki service provider.
Q: Where can I buy certified Suzuki parts?
A: For certified Suzuki parts, please contact your local Suzuki service provider.
‡ While a customer support program, not a limited warranty, the Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle Program is administered through your participating Suzuki service provider and an appointed rental company selected by the service provider. As a retail non-commercial purchase or lease customer, if your Suzuki vehicle is rendered inoperable, unsafe or illegal to operate and is required to stay overnight at a participating Suzuki service provider to complete a warranty repair during the 36 month/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty period, your participating Suzuki service provider will provide a courtesy rental vehicle of its choice through an appointed rental company. If your vehicle is being repaired at a non-participating Suzuki service provider, prior written authorization must be obtained from Suzuki Motor of America Inc.("SMAI") and, at its discretion, SMAI may provide $35.00 per day rental reimbursement for up to 5 days for mechanical repairs covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. It is the customer's responsibility to file a rental vehicle reimbursement claim directly with SMAI within 15 days of the repair or said claim shall be deemed forfeited.
This coverage for a warranty related covered repair is limited to a maximum of 5 days when parts and labor are required and a maximum of 3 days on labor only repairs. This does not include additional insurance coverage or fuel used. Driver must meet rental requirements imposed by the rental company. The rental company may impose the following restrictions upon the customer: (a) a credit card with sufficient credit for a monetary hold amount; (b) a prohibition on drivers under 25 years of age, or additional daily fees for young renters; and (c) extra deposits and other fees.
A: All-wheel drive (AWD) and four wheel drive (4WD) are drive systems designed to help maximize traction on various types of road conditions, whether wet, snowy, rough or dry.
Q: How do the different Suzuki AWD and 4WD systems work?
A: Kizashi - The Kizashi’s advanced i-AWD™ system with i-VSP activates via a dash-mounted switch. Upon acceleration, the sophisticated system distributes the optimum amount of torque for a smooth start and sure-footed acceleration. As road conditions change, the proper amount of torque distributed between the front and rear wheels is dependent upon several conditions including wheel slippage and throttle input.
The Intelligent Vehicle Stability Program* (i-VSP) is included on all AWD-equipped Kizashi sport sedans. The i-VSP system constantly evaluates vehicle dynamics to control steering torque assist and front / rear traction distribution. In the event of oversteer, where the rear wheels have less traction than the front, the system transfers driving force from rear to front to help reduce the rear wheels’ tendency to slip. In the event of understeer, where the rear tires have more traction than the front, the AWD system transfers driving force from front to rear, enhancing the driving experience.
“*I-VSP, which should remain on when driving except when freeing the vehicle from mud or snow, cannot prevent accidents due to abrupt steering, carelessness, or dangerous driving techniques. Always drive safely. i-AWD™ cannot be relied upon to prevent accidents due to abrupt steering, carelessness, or dangerous driving techniques.
A: SX4 Crossover - Engineered from concept to be all-wheel-drive capable, the SX4 Crossover offers Suzuki’s three-mode Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system (i-AWD™). The i-AWD system employs an electronically controlled coupling device mounted in front of the rear differential. The driver uses a console switch to choose the best mode for the driving situation. The 2WD mode dedicates power to the front wheels for optimum fuel economy in high-traction conditions. In AWD Auto mode, up to 50 percent of torque is automatically apportioned to the rear wheels when pronounced front-wheel slippage occurs. The AWD Lock setting sends 30-50 percent of torque as needed to the rear wheels for optimum traction in slippery conditions. Additionally, the system automatically switches back from AWD Lock to AWD Auto mode at speeds above 36 mph.
A: Grand Vitara - The Grand Vitara’s single-mode 4WD system is offered with the compact SUV’s 4x4 Premium trim, while the Four-Mode full-time system is available with the 4x4 Limited trim.
The Grand Vitara’s single-mode 4WD system is ideal for drivers who need all-weather traction and participate in light off-road driving. The single mode and Four-Mode systems share a similar bevel gear open center differential that distributes power evenly between the front and rear wheels. The differential allows the differing wheel speeds caused by turning, minimizing the “binding” that causes unwanted noise and vibration during tight turns or maneuvering in some 4WD vehicles.
The 4WD system itself is purely mechanical and does not rely on clutch packs or electronic couplers to vary the torque split. Rather, if the standard Electronic Stability Program detects wheel spin (front or rear), it uses the traction control feature to apply the brake to the spinning wheel, which effectively transfers power to the wheels with traction.
Suzuki’s Four-Mode full-time 4WD offers the best of both worlds: It is exceptionally capable off-road, but is civilized on the asphalt. On pavement, drivers can leave the interior-mounted transfer case switch in 4H, and the electronically controlled on-demand four-wheel-drive system will apply traction to the front wheels only as needed, optimizing fuel economy. In slippery conditions such as snow, 4H Lock locks the differential, keeping power distribution at 50:50. When traveling off-road, or for low-speed power and traction, drivers can turn the switch to high-range 4H Lock or low-range 4L Lock to engage the center differential lock. In 4L Lock, engine power is sent through a lower set of gears (1.97:1) to multiply torque.
A: Equator - The available shift-on-the-fly part-time 4WD system features an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. For enhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator offers a comprehensive off-road traction system, including four-wheel limited slip, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control.
Q: What are the benefits of AWD and 4WD?
A: They help maximize traction on various types of road conditions, including wet, snowy, rough, or dry.
A: It helps provide more neutral handling on slippery surfaces, helping reduce oversteer / understeer.
A: On wet, snowy, slippery or rough roads, AWD and 4WD systems put all four tires to work, grabbing the best traction available for the conditions.
Q: What is the Warranty Coverage?
A: The AWD and 4WD components are covered under Suzuki's 100,000-mile/ 7-year powertrain limited warranty.
WARNING: Sport Utility Vehicles handle differently from ordinary passenger cars. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers. Always wear your seatbelt. For specific details, please read your owner's manual for on-and off-road driving tips. To avoid injury from an airbag, always place children twelve years old and under in the rear seat; always move both driver and passenger seats as far back from airbag as practical; never transport a child in a rear-facing child seat in the front seat; and always use the seatbelts and buckle up properly. Always keep cargo loads within specified weight limits, distribute cargo evenly and secure it from shifting. Specifications and equipment based on information available at time of printing and subject to change without notice or obligation, and may differ in each sales area. Some vehicles shown with optional equipment. For more details on 2005 options, accessories and specifications, contact your local Suzuki dealer. Tread Lightly! On Public and Private Land. Along with concerned conservationists everywhere, Suzuki urges you to preserve your future off-road driving opportunities by showing respect for the environment, local laws and the rights of others.
