Which gear to use when going downhill

The benefit from doing that comes in the form better fuel economy. When you engage neutral gear, you are no longer in full control of your vehicle. When you are in gear, you can also react quicker and act accordingly to road hazards ahead. Just like engaging neutral, depressing the clutch pedal while going downhill would cause the car to roll. Do you drive up and down the hilly areas in Malaysia a lot? Do let us know in the comments below if you have any other tips for the rest of us!

Find the true value of your car here. Want to find out the value of your car? Uphill: Approach uphill situations with an appropriate amount of momentum, a higher gear 3rd in an automatic transmission and less throttle to reduce torque, which also reduces wheel spin. The last thing you want to do is get halfway up the hill, lose traction and begin to spin your wheels.

You'll just end up destroying the surface on the hill, making it harder to get back up the hill the next time. If you're using a manual transmission, use second or third gear when you head up a steep incline — and don't change gears once you've committed to the climb.

Failed Climb: Put the vehicle in reverse to allow for natural engine braking and keep tires turning. Always use this gear during a failed climb and when backing up for the most control and safest descent. Never roll back down because heavy vehicles build up a lot of momentum very quickly, and without the help of your engine for braking, things can quickly get out of hand. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, use "L" or "2.

According to the National Park Service, this will be a pungent burning smell. Let them cool off before you start driving again, but do not continue if you think there may be an issue with your brakes. Once you're on level ground again, shift back into drive and use your brakes as you would normally. Winding mountain roads can be narrow, with dramatic curves that make it difficult to see what's around the next bend.

While cellphones, vehicle navigation systems and GPS are helpful tools, in many situations, the National Park Service notes they may note work well or at all in the mountains. Take the time to map your route the old-fashioned way, with a paper map, especially if you're piloting an RV or towing a trailer. Most maps will show which roads are steeply graded, which will allow you to chart out the least difficult path.

Whether you're trekking through the Rockies or headed to the Appalachian Trail, using some common sense and knowing your vehicle's limits will help keep you safe on our nation's majestic mountain motorways.

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