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:

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    The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming system. The aim of the headlamps have been preset at the factory and should need no further adjustment. However, if the vehicle is damaged in a cras ...

    Door Locks
    WARNING Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. T ...

    Engine Fan
    The vehicle has electric cooling fans. The fans spinning at low speed during most everyday driving might be heard. The fans can turn off if no cooling is required. Under heavy vehicle loading, tra ...