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Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, decide
if it is 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 might not see this
because the crest of the hill
is hidden by bushes, grass, or
shrubs.
Consider this 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 will not have
to make turning maneuvers?
• Are there obstructions on the hill
that can block your path, such
as boulders, trees, logs, or ruts?
• What is beyond the hill? Is there
a cliff, an embankment, a
drop-off, a fence? Get out and
walk the hill if you do not know. It
is 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.
See “Hill Start Assist” under Braking
on page 4-3 for information on
vehicles stopped on a grade.
Driving Uphill
Once you decide it is safe to drive
up the hill:
• Use transmission and transfer
case low gear and get a firm
grip on the steering wheel.
• Get a smooth start up the hill
and try to maintain speed.
Not using more power than
needed can avoid spinning the
wheels or sliding.
• Let the traction system work to
control any wheel slippage.
The traction control system
allows for moderate wheel spin
with some capability to dig in and
power up the hill.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-21