Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: • Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
• Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission.
• Shift to a lower gear when going down steep or long hills.
WARNING
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
WARNING
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down and they could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
Steering may also be affected when ignition is off. You could crash. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
• Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane.
• Be alert on top of hills; something could be in your lane (stalled car,
accident)
• Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks area, winding roads,
long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
Highway Hypnosis
Winter DrivingEngine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the ...
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows the vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency situation. If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine
damage. In this mode, a significant loss in power and ...
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manual transmission, it is not necessary to regularly check
brake/clutch fluid unless there is a leak suspected.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
When to Check and What to Us ...