Tackle Steep Hills |
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| Most modern 4WDs can handle hills that would scare most owners spitless. Assess the hill, your own ability, and know your vehicle's capabilities before attempting a steep hill.
UPHILL: look for the best route. Where is it likely to be slippery? What obstacles might pose a problem? Always plan a straight-up route, avoiding cross slopes at all cost. Select second gear, low range for most hills. Drive with engine near its maximum torque output (2500rpm for diesels, 3500rpm for petrols). Momentum is usually not the key......... but is a great way to break mechanical components. If you fail to get to the top, do not attempt to turn around and drive down. Turn off the engine, dont touch the clutch. Apply the handbrake and the footbrake. Select reverse (low), take your foot off the clutch, release the handbrake, gently release the footbreak (the vehicle will 'hang' on reverse low) and crank the starter with the key. Keep your feet of the pedals. The vehicle will start and idle down in reverse. DOWNHILL: Get out and look, as the bonnet always obscures the slope from the driver's seat. Select first gear, low, and let the vehicle idle down with your feet off all the pedals. Gentle break pressure might be necessary to modulate speed in autos. Never lock up the brakes, however, as steering contol will be lost. If you start to slide, it might even be necessary to accelerate gently, which can be (psychologically) a very hard thing to do. | |
