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Driving up and down hills can be a challenge for any automobile users, especially when heading to the mountains for a relaxing break. To safely navigate through the hills, basic driving knowledge and additional skills such as gear usage, observing signals, timing clutch engagements, driving on curves, and ascending slopes require expertise. Krungsri Auto, a leader in automotive finance business under Bank of Ayudhya PCL., shares safe driving techniques to ensure driving up and down hills is no longer an obstacle for travelers.
Use the right gear for the environment: When driving uphill on steep slopes, manual transmission cars require the use of lower gears, then switch to gear 1 or 2 subsequently to ascend the car with more power. Only switch back to lower gears when encountering the next slope. As for automatic transmission cars, drivers should use lower gears when ascending a steep slope, as this increases the engine RPM and provides more power for climbing. Lower gears may be labelled differently depending on the car brand, so make sure to consult the car manual for each vehicle. Drivers should never shift to neutral and let the car coast freely, as they will lose control over the speed of the car.
When driving downhill, never ride the brakes continuously: This can cause the brake pads to overheat and potentially fail. It is recommended to use lower gears and apply the brakes lightly when slowing down. Switch back to normal gears when encountering straight roads or curves to reduce gear strain.
Don't ride the clutch: For manual transmission or stick shift cars, half-clutching will cause the clutch to overheat, leading to slippage and potentially causing accidents. It is suggested to fully engage or disengage the clutch as needed and drive normally for the best results.
Be extra cautious on curves: Drivers navigating through hills often encounter numerous curves. Driving too fast could result in the loss of control and possibly sliding off the curve. Maintaining a moderate speed is important to reduce the risk of danger to oneself and other road users. High horsepower vehicles require even more caution and must prioritize safety by driving slowly and patiently.
Avoid overtaking on solid lines, curves, or while ascending hills: As curves are frequently encountered when driving uphill, it can be challenging to see oncoming vehicles, making overtaking harder than usual. It is important to wait for a straight stretch where vehicles are clearly visible before attempting to overtake, or alternatively pay attention to the road markings between lanes. If encountering solid lines, refrain from overtaking. Only do so when the vehicle ahead signals with their lights, indicating it's safe.
These techniques rely heavily on expertise and drivers should practice driving on hills with gentle slopes first, once confidence is gained, transitioning to steeper hills will become easier. For automobile users embarking on any journey, it is advised to check both the vehicle's condition and the driver's physical state, as navigating through hills requires a significant amount of concentration.
Regardless of driving experience, these recommendations will ensure that driving on challenging roads is both smooth and safe. Additionally, having motor insurance is essential to boosting driving confidence, as road accidents can occur at any time. GO by Krungsri Auto Application provides useful information for auto usage, financial services, motor insurance, and online loan application, suitable for drivers and automobile users. The application also offers information on EV charging stations from leading Thai providers, along with various services and exclusive privileges to meet the needs of automobile users. Those interested can download and use the application here: https://kautolink.com/ujo42Z.
