How Do You Drive in the Mountains Safely?
Driving on mountain roads can be both fun and dangerous. Besides the high chances of car accidents, steep grades also subject your vehicle to extra strain that can damage the vehicle’s components, such as brakes and engine parts. To curb such risks, great precaution and safety measures must be put in place to enhance your mountain drive experience.
Be Ready for Tough Road Conditions
Mountain roads in Australia are characterized by discomfort and unconducive road conditions. You have to be prepared for an environment with narrow roads and numerous bends. Additionally, some mountain roads are located in remote areas, so having a GPS app can give you an upper hand and ensure that you don’t lose track.
Shift into a Lower Gear When Moving Downhill
It is recommended that you downshift to lower gears before you begin going downhill. This is an excellent precaution for safe driving, as shifting gears on steep hills can be dangerous. Moreover, it enhances greater control of your speed and minimizes stress on the vehicle’s engine and brakes.Â
Apply the Brakes Cautiously
Frequent braking when moving down steep grades can cause the brakes to overwork. If you smell the brakes burning, you can park on the side of the road and wait for them to cool down. Being alert of hairpin turns and slowing down well in advance can also reduce brake usage.
Avoid Overheating
Mountain drives escalate the chances of engine overheating. Driving an overheated car can cause severe damages to your engine. The following measures can ensure that you alleviate overheating:
- Shifting into a lower gear can ensure that the vehicle is at a constant speed.
- Turn off your air conditioning. This is because a blocked radiator condenser and inefficient fans can cause overheating when the air conditioning is on.Â
- After a long drive, you can cool down the engine by leaving it idle for a few minutes.Â
Make Sure You Have Enough Gas
Mountain drives consume more fuel compared to typical drives. Also, there is limited access to gas stations as most mountain roads are located in remote areas. To evade such situations, it would be wise to take in enough fuel before starting your journey.
Take Preliminary Service Measures
When planning for a mountain drive, you should tune up your car for extra safety. Servicing some essential components such as the brake pedals, transmission fluids, batteries, and exhaust systems can enhance your safety. Also, ensure that the windshield wipers are in the best working condition, especially when driving in windy or snow conditions. Blurry views are a major cause of accidents on mountain roads.
Improve Your Mountain Driving Skills Today
Driving in mountain areas requires top-shelf skills and caution for a safe adventure. Also, ensure that your vehicle is in the best state and all components are in optimal performance. You can enhance your driving skills by enrolling in our safer drivers courses at LTrent Driving School. We offer competent lessons that will improve your driving experience, even on mountain roads. Please contact us today and get the best training at our top-rated institution.