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.

- Shift to a lower gear when going down steep or long hills.

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.

- Be alert on top of hills; 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:

    Headlamps
    Base Headlamp Assembly (Front View Passenger Side) A. Low—Beam Headlamp/Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) B. High—Beam Headlamp C. Turn Signal Lamp Base Headlamp Assembly (Rear View Passeng ...

    Cruise Control
    WARNING Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control can be dangerous on ...

    Reclining Seatbacks
    WARNING! Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job. The shoulder belt will not be against yo ...