QuestionMy wife has a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder, 4 wheel drive, manual shift. I would like to make it as safe as possible re: rolling over. How safe can I make it & what changes can I make?
Thanks,
AnswerJim,
Try not to listen to most of the bad information out about SUV's being so dangerous. Yes they can roll over, if you try to drive them like a sports car, but under normal driving conditions, they are very safe. The Nissan Pathfinder is a very capable vehicle, and I doubt very much that your wife would corner it hard enough to roll it over.
As far as any changes, just make sure that your tires are in good shape, and keep the air pressure at the suggested pressure. You can install a good set of shocks, if yours are questionable. With routine maintenance, the Pathfinder will do just fine.
These answers, are assuming that your Nissan is stock, and not lifted with big tires. As with any vehicle, the more you lift them, the higher the center of gravity, and therefore, you need to drive them a little slower. If you are going to be going off-road with it, I would suggest that you see if there is a local 4x4 club, that is qualified to teach off-roading techniques, and take a class. Not only, is is a great education, but can be a lot of fun also.
Carl
