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• Safety Tips for Winterizing Your Car
• Owner Programs
• Leasing and Financing
• All-Wheel Drive System
• Gas Mileage Charts
• SUV Safety Message

Safety Tips for Winterizing Your Car

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, American Suzuki has compiled a list of recommendations for winterizing your car or truck. Four-wheel drive vehicles, such as Suzuki's AWD SX4 Crossover and 4WD Grand Vitara, are ideal as they are specifically designed to handle even the toughest of roads.

Be aware

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.

Clear visibility

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.

Battery power

Drivers need to test their batteries regularly to make sure they are charging properly and have no corrosion at the connections.

Kick the tires

Tire pressure and wear should be monitored, including the spare tire. Not only does it provide a safer ride but will also conserve fuel.

Check things out

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 car.

Practice safety

Drivers and passengers must always wear their seat belts. Small children and infants should be correctly placed in properly secured car seats or booster seats.

Carry chains

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.

Slow down

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.

Prepare for emergencies

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.

Be safe

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.

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Owner Programs

Customer Service

Q: How do I reach Suzuki's customer service?

A: Dial the toll-free # 800-934-0934

Roadside Assistance

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 dealership. 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. Finally, we will answer all of your questions, arrange for alternate transportation, book a hotel or a motel for you, locate the nearest ATM and contact family members or associates in the event of a delay.

Loaner Car Program

Q: Does Suzuki have a loaner car program?

A: Yes

Q: How does the program work?

A: If your SUZUKI vehicle is rendered inoperable, unsafe or illegal to operate and is required to stay overnight at a participating SUZUKI authorized dealer to complete a warranty repair during the 36 month/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty period, your participating SUZUKI authorized dealer will provide a courtesy rental vehicle of its choice through an appointed rental company.^‡ (See additional Restrictions and Limitations below.)

New Car Warranty

Q: What does the new car limited warranty cover?

A: Suzuki provides this warranty for new vehicles. This warranty covers all parts of the vehicle as supplied by Suzuki. All basic components are covered under the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty period. Wear and tear components, i.e., clutch and brakes, are not covered under the limited warranty. The following items are covered: original body sheet metal panels of the vehicle that develop perforation due to corrosion; soft tops are covered for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first; and, batteries are covered for 24 months or 24,000 miles, 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.

Parts and Service

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 click on the "Service" link in the left navigation.

Q: Where can I buy certified Suzuki parts?

A: For certified Suzuki parts, please click on the "Parts" link in the left navigation.

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Leasing and Financing

General

Q: How do I decide between a loan and a lease?

A: There is no right or wrong answer. You need to determine what better fits your needs. Generally, leases are better for those who drive 15,000 or fewer miles per year, take excellent care of their vehicles and want a new car every 2-4 years. Leases also enable you to get a bigger, better-equipped car than you could afford to purchase, and you only have to pay for the portion of the car's life that you use. Loans are ideal for those who drive a lot of miles, put their vehicles to heavy or rough use and want to build equity. Loans also give you the freedom to treat your car as you please: sell, customize, trade, etc. As for maintenance and operating costs, there's no difference at all.

Q: How can I improve my credit?

A: Months before you buy, cancel extra credit cards, pay off debt and maintain steady employment. In addition, get a copy of your credit report at least 60 days in advance so you can clear up any errors. If you have a limited credit history, consider finding someone who is willing to co-sign (i.e., share responsibility) for your loan.

Leasing

Q: What are the advantages of leasing a new Suzuki?

A: Remember, by leasing you can typically get a bigger, better-equipped car than you could afford to purchase. You enjoy a new car every few years and pay only for the portion of the car's life that you use (which means a lower monthly payment). Enjoy end-of-lease options: buy the car, lease another vehicle or explore other choices.

Q: Can I lease a used vehicle?

A: Please check with your dealer; they may offer pre-owned leases.

Q: Can I put a down payment on a lease?

A: Yes. Putting a "down payment" on a lease is called making a capitalized cost reduction and, in essence, serves to lower your monthly payments.

Q: If I choose to lease a car, does that mean that I'll never own it?

A: No. You will have the option of purchasing your Suzuki at the end of the lease.

Q: What is the penalty if I go over my mileage limitation?

A: Although it may vary, excess mileage is normally billed at 15 cents per mile. The lessee may arrange for additional mileage at the inception of the lease at the rate of 10 cents per mile.

Q: If I lease a Suzuki, is the number of miles I can drive per year restricted?

A: No, any lease can be tailored to the needs of the lessee. The standard is 15,000 miles per annum, but the lessee can choose more or less mileage as needed.

Q: How large of a down payment do I need to make?

A: The bigger your initial payment is, the less your monthly payment will be. No one knows your personal situation as well as you do, so knowing how much you can afford to pay each month and planning accordingly is always advisable. Also, do not forget to figure in taxes and other expenses when doing your planning.

Financing

Q: What are the advantages of purchasing a new Suzuki?

A: Remember that by buying your new Suzuki, you can usually build equity, drive as many miles as you want and carry lower limits for auto insurance than with a lease. See your insurer for actual quotes. Also, you can sell, trade or transfer title whenever you want.

Q: What is A.P.R.?

A: It is the Annual Percentage Rate of interest on a loan and is determined by a number of factors including income, other outstanding debts and credit history.

Q: What is the M.S.R.P.?

A: It is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of a vehicle. The actual price is negotiable with your dealer.

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All-Wheel Drive System

Q: What is all-wheel drive?

A: All-wheel drive (AWD) is a system designed to help maximize traction on various types of road conditions, including wet, snowy, rough or dry. The key component in the system is a viscous coupler. The viscous coupler is used to link the back wheels to the front wheels so that if the front wheels start to slip, power will be transferred to the rear wheels, thus providing additional traction.

Q: How does the Suzuki AWD system work?

A: Suzuki AWD models use a transfer case with a viscous coupler to determine the power split between the front and rear wheels. The viscous coupler has two sets of plates inside a sealed housing that is filled with a thick fluid (high viscosity silicone). One set of plates is connected to the front wheels, the other to the rear wheels. Under normal conditions (good road traction), both sets of plates and the viscous fluid spin at the same speed. When the front set of wheels starts to spin at a faster rate, perhaps because of lost traction on the road, the set of plates corresponding to the front wheels spin at a faster rate than the plates corresponding to the rear wheels. The viscous fluid, stuck between the plates, heats up and expands, thereby dragging the slower plates along. This transfers more power to the slower moving wheels -- the rear wheels that are not slipping -- until they reach the maximum front and rear axle torque split of 50/50. The faster the plates are spinning relative to each other, the more power the viscous coupling transfers. As the front wheels continue to spin, additional power is diverted to the rear wheels with traction.

Q: What are the benefits of AWD and the viscous coupling design?

A: AWD helps maximize traction on various types of road conditions, including wet, snowy, rough, or dry.

A: AWD helps provide more neutral handling on slippery surfaces, helping reduce oversteer and understeer.

A: Suzuki's viscous coupling is compact and lightweight.

A: On wet, snowy, slippery or rough roads, the SX4 Crossover's AWD system puts all four tires to work, grabbing the best traction available for the conditions.

Q: What is the Warranty Coverage?

A: The AWD components are covered under Suzuki's 100,000-mile/ 7-year powertrain limited warranty.

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Gas Mileage Charts

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SUV Safety Message

Drive responsibly: Buckle up for safety - Don't drink and drive.

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.

^‡ *While a customer support program, not a limited warranty, the Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle Program is administered through your participating SUZUKI authorized dealer and an appointed rental company selected by the dealer. 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 authorized dealer to complete a warranty repair during the 36 month/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty period, your participating SUZUKI authorized dealer 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 authorized dealer, prior written authorization must be obtained from American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) and, at its discretion, ASMC 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 ASMC 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.

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