If you are planning a trip up into the mountains of Australia, it is important that you understand how to prepare your vehicle and how to adapt your driving style to the conditions. Driving in the mountains is a completely different kettle of fish compared to driving in a city or town. The terrain can place a lot of strain on your vehicle's gears and brakes. Read on to find out everything you need to know about driving in the mountains.
Have your car serviced before you set off on your trip
The first thing you need to do before setting off for the mountains is to have your car serviced by a qualified auto mechanic. If there are any minor issues with the brakes or the clutch on your vehicle, these may not cause problems when driving in the town or the city. However, they can soon develop into very serious faults when these components face the additional strain created by a mountainous road.
For example, worn brake pads may completely fail and overheat due to the frequency of braking you carry out on a mountain road and the last thing you want is your brakes to fail when you are driving down a steep incline. An auto mechanic will ensure your brakes and clutch are in perfect condition before you set off. You can also buy a clutch kit to keep in your car in case of an emergency.
Select the right gear for the terrain
When driving on flat ground, the gear you select is dictated by the speed of your vehicle and the speed you wish to travel at. However, when driving on a mountain road, the gear you select may also be dictated by the terrain you are traversing. For example, when driving up a hill, you should always select a low gear. This will help the engine to cope with the incline so the vehicle continues moving at a steady speed and does not stall.
When driving down a slope, you should keep the car in a higher gear. Doing so allows you to use the engine of the car as a brake. Engine braking stops the car from accelerating out of control due to gravity and also helps to reduce the frequency with which you need to use the foot brake.
If you would like help preparing for your driving expedition in the mountains, you should make contact with an auto parts and repair shop. A mechanic will be happy to help you.
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