Up- and downhill driving tips
Higher speed can be used if the hill is smooth, but if it is rocky, approach it at a lower speed. This way you reduce the risk of losing traction when your wheels lift because of rocks.
Engage four-wheel drive and lock free-wheel hubs. Gear selection should be made according to the terrain. If wheels start spinning, decelerate until they stop spinning, after which gentle acceleration can be applied. Gears should not be changed and slow down when reaching the top – it’s always a safe rule to follow, as you never know what lies beyond the crest of a hill.
If you do find yourself stalled on the way up a hill, which happens quite often, engage both the foot- and handbrake to prevent sliding backward. Change gears to reverse and release the clutch and then the handbrake. Now start up the vehicle and release the footbrake simultaneously. Once the engine is running, slowly let the vehicle reverse down the hill and keep your foot close to the brake. Remember to make sure your wheels are aligned straight before moving.
When going downhill, four-wheel drive should also be engaged and free-wheel hubs should be locked. Choose the lowest gear possible and let the engine act as your brake to reduce the risk of sliding forward. Release the handbrake and clutch. Do not use your brakes if your vehicle starts sliding to the side. Keep the steering wheel straight and accelerate gently to regain control of the vehicle. Don’t change gears and keep going very slowly, too much acceleration during a descent could result in the vehicle speeding out of control.
If faced with a gully, always enter it at an angle that only one wheel at a time is dropped into it. Follow the same rule when exiting a gully.
It is, however, very common and rather easy to get stuck in a gully. It is very difficult to get out of a gully once you are stuck and the best option is to try and lift the lower wheels of the stationary vehicle out of the gully. Trying to lift the vehicle alone is not advisable and could resort in injury. Differential locks on all axles will be beneficial. Do not attempt driving through really deep gullies if your vehicle doesn’t have good axle articulation.
To avoid unnecessary scratches to your vehicle, fold back mirrors and stay as close to the road limitations as possible. Drive safely!
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