SberAvto experts remind readers that safe, comfortable mountain travel can leave only positive memories of the adventure.
1. Ensure the car is in good condition
Mountain roads push every vehicle system to the limit. Before setting out, a thorough check of the braking system, suspension, wheels and tires, and all fluids is essential. A visit to a trusted service center is wise, where technicians run diagnostics and can adjust wheel alignment with professional equipment. This not only improves steering control but also helps reduce fuel consumption. Even if everything seems fine, avoid overloading the vehicle so all components perform reliably in challenging conditions.
2. Revisit the basics
At the planning stage, it helps to recall the signs that rarely appear in urban traffic but become common in the mountains. Steep climbs or descents lie ahead, along with sharp curves, strong crosswinds, and slopes with rocky outcrops. Reading and understanding these signals upfront is preferable to trying to memorize symbol meanings while on the road.
3. Remember three key mountain-road principles
– When descending in a car with a manual transmission, engine braking is more dependable than relying solely on the brake pedal. Choose the appropriate gear to modulate braking pressure. In an automatic vehicle, switching to manual or sport mode and easing off the brake briefly can help slow the car effectively;
– When passing through a narrow section, yield to a vehicle climbing uphill, as the uphill driver generally faces more difficulty getting underway again after a stop;
– In any unclear situation, stay as far to the right as safety allows. This improves visibility in narrow sections and provides room if an oncoming vehicle needs to make a sharp turn.
4. Avoid driving in bad weather and after dark
Mountain routes often bring limited visibility and demanding maneuvers, making rain and fog particularly risky. Checking the forecast and local climate before the trip is crucial. Guides or local residents can usually point out tricky sections of the route. If possible, start early in the day to maximize visibility and reduce overall traffic on the road.
5. Maintain a safe following distance
On mountain roads, a larger following distance is prudent. The lead vehicle’s driver may be unfamiliar with mountain driving quirks, and gravel or small stones kicked up from the road can pose hazards. Allow extra room to react to sudden changes in road conditions.
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