Hill driving and climbs

Steep slopes make extra demands on gear selection and braking technique. Incorrect use of the brakes on long downhill slopes can lead to brake failure due to overheating.

Downhill and engine braking

The main rule is to use the same gear going down as you would use going up. The engine brake then keeps the speed down without you having to brake constantly.

How to use the engine brake

• Gear down before the downhill starts.
• Let the engine keep the speed down, and brake carefully with the pedal in addition if necessary.
• Avoid holding the brake on for a long time. This overheats the brakes and can cause brake failure.
• Automatic transmission: use manual mode or select a lower gear (L, 2 or 3).

Driving uphill

• Choose the right gear early, before you start to lose speed.
• Give steady throttle and avoid unnecessary gear changes during the climb itself.
• On smooth road careful throttle may be necessary to avoid wheel spin.
• Keep your distance so that you don’t have to stop in the middle of the hill.

Brake failure on downhill slopes

If the brakes fail:

1. Pump the brake pedal quickly to build up pressure.
2. Gear down to the lowest possible gear.
3. Use the handbrake (parking brake) carefully.
4. Look for emergency braking areas (sand fields along the road).
5. In an extreme emergency: steer towards something that slows the car down gradually, such as a slope.

Parking on the ground

• Put in 1. gear (manual) or P (automatic) and apply the parking brake.
• Turn the steering wheel so that the car rolls towards the curb if it starts to roll.
• If necessary, use wheel blocks on steep slopes.

See calculation of stopping distance for how slope affects braking distance.

Further reading

• Driving in mountain terrain
• Braking technique on different surfaces
• Speed in curves
• Driving on smooth roads