Oldsmobile 2001 Bravada User Manual download pdf (Page 186)

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Approaching a Hill

When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it’s one

of those hills that’s just too steep to climb, descend or

cross. Steepness can be hard to judge. On a very small

hill, for example, there may be a smooth, constant

incline with only a small change in elevation where you

can easily see all the way to the top. On a large hill, the

incline may get steeper as you near the top, but you

may not see this because the crest of the hill is hidden

by bushes, grass or shrubs.

Here are some other things to consider as you

approach a hill.

Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get

sharply steeper in places?

Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the

surface cause tire slipping?

Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you

won’t have to make turning maneuvers?

Are there obstructions on the hill that can block

your path (boulders, trees, logs or ruts)?

What’s beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an embankment,

a drop-off, a fence? Get out and walk the hill if you don’t

know. It’s the smart way to find out.

Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have

ruts, gullies, troughs and exposed rocks because they

are more susceptible to the effects of erosion.

Driving Uphill

Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill,

you need to take some special steps.

Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the

steering wheel.

Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain

your speed. Don’t use more power than you need,

because you don’t want your wheels to start spinning

or sliding.

Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.

If the path twists and turns, you might want to

find another route.

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Oldsmobile 2001 Bravada User Manual Page 186