Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include:
• Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
• Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission.
• Going down steep or long hills, shift to a lower gear.
WARNING:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
WARNING:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane.
• Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your lane (stalled car, accident).
• Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
See also:
Vehicle Storage
WARNING
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump Starting for tips on working around
a battery without gettin ...
Oil Pressure Light
WARNING:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. The
engine can become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serv ...
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy.
Ease o ...
