How To Drive Through The Mountains Safely

Driving through the mountains can be a beautiful but harrowing experience. Limited visibility, hairpin turns, and steep drop-offs make mountain driving more difficult and dangerous than a joy ride on a flat road. It's no wonder that one-quarter of the roads listed by AAADaily Life Cars Trucks Most Dangerous Roads In America Magazine.northeast.aaa.com as the most nerve-racking in America are highways through the mountains. 

Follow these tips for mountain driving to enjoy the view and get where you're going safely.

Check Your Vehicle Before You Hit the Road

Before you head for the mountains, give your car a quick inspection to make sure it's road-ready. Start by checking your tire treadsHow To Measure Tire Tread Car Maintenance and air pressure. Getting this right will help your tires grip the surface of the road and reduce the chance of skidding. If your tires are worn or bald, replace them before your trip. If the air pressure is low, inflate them at a local gas station.

Your brakes are going to get a workout during a mountain drive, so check them on a drive around the block to make sure your car stops quickly and your brakes don't squeal. Check your brake fluidMaintain Brake Fluid Levels Car Maintenance levels as well, and top off if needed. 

Take It Slow

The best way to stay safe on mountain roads is to go slow. This is especially true if you're driving a route for the first time. Gravity will pull your car down the mountain, so you can quickly find yourself traveling over the speed limit as you descend. A good rule of thumb is to never go down the mountain faster than you can go up it.

Mountain roads are also often full of curves and switchbacks, which make it hard to see the road ahead. Driving slowly will allow you to better react to oncoming traffic, sudden stops of cars in front of you, and wildlife bounding across your path. Always obey the speed limit signs, especially around corners.

Downshift on Steep Hills

If you have an automatic transmissionAutomatic Transmission Safe Driving, you may need to shift to L (low gear) to help your car out in very mountainous terrain. Here's what to do: 

Driving Uphill

When you’re faced with a steep incline, shift into low gear. If you don't, you could overheat the engine. The low gear maximizes power while minimizing speed, which is how vehicles crawl safely up steep hills. If your vehicle starts running hot even in low gear, turn off the air conditioning.

Driving Downhill 

Nudge the brakes to slow the acceleration, then shift into second gear before beginning your descent. Instead of riding the brakes the whole way down, try a trucking technique called pulse braking. Gently apply the brakes and then let go until you reach a safe speed so you don’t burn out your brakes. If you need to slow down more, apply the brakes, let go, and then shift into first gear. 

Low gear can help automatic drivers slow down as well. Just remember to put your car back in drive when you hit flat land.

Pull Over as Needed

If your car is going very slowly, pull over when you can to let others pass. It's also a good idea to pull over if your car engine or brakes are overheating. If your car is running rough or losing power on inclines, you could be experiencing vapor lockPlanyourvisit Mtn_driving.htm Romo, which may clear up after a 30-minute rest period. 

Watch the Weather

Inexperienced mountain drivers shouldn’t test their skills in bad weather. Avoid driving in the mountains when there’s a chance of rain, fog, high winds, or snow. Weather conditions can change quickly at a higher altitude, and you don't want to get stuck. If you must set out into inclement weather, make sure your cell phone is charged and your car emergency kitWhat Keep Your Cars Emergency Kit Winter Blog is stocked with key supplies like blankets, water, and food.

Safe Mountain Driving Starts With the Right Education

If you'd like to improve your driving skills to prepare for your next mountain road trip, sign up for Aceable's driver's ed coursesDrivers Ed to learn the essentials of safe, defensive driving.