If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system
and transaxle. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads. Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition
off is dangerous. Your brakes will have
to
do all the work of slowing down. They could
Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
your engine running and your vehicle in gear
get
so hot
that they wouldn’t work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a
hill. You could crash. Always have
when you go downhill.
.. you don’t shi-- Aown, your -_ -._es co - ,et
so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would
then have poor braking or even none going
down a
hill. You could crash. Shift down to let
your engine assist your brakes on
a steep
downhill slope.
Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to
a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine
and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better.
Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let
you stay in your own lane.
As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could
be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an
accident.
You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades,
passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area or
winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate
action.
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Headlamp Aiming
The aim of your vehicle’s headlamps can be adjusted
by using aim tips located on the outer surface of
the
lens. The aim has been pre-set at the factory and
should need
no further adjustment.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. Aim adjustment to the
low beam
may be necessary
if it is difficult to see lane markers
(for horizontal aim), or
if oncoming drivers flash
their high beams at you (for vertical aim). If you believe
your headlamps need to be re-aimed, it
is recommended
that you take your vehicle to the dealer for assistance.
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