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:
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
When it is safe to lift the hood:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fan(s)
(Out of View)
B. Coolant Surge Tank and ...
Why Safety Belts Work
When riding in a vehicle, you travel
as fast as the vehicle does. If the
vehicle stops suddenly, you keep
going until something stops you.
It could be the windshield, the
instrument panel, ...
RELEASE PARK BRAKE SWITCH
For vehicles with the electric parking
brake, this message displays if the
switch is pulled while the vehicle is
moving. See the electric parking
brake information under Parking
Brake (Elect ...