Chevrolet Cruze Owners Manual: Hill and Mountain Roads
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
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe place to park the vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
• Keep the vehicle w ...
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating
less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain begins to ...
Other materials:
Recommended Fuel
Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If
the octane rating is less than 87, an audible knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock, might be heard when driving.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
If hea ...
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction
system off and use the rocking method.
WARNING
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed, they can explode, ...
Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering. It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can
be steered, but may require increased effort. See your dealer if there is a ...
