Mountain Driving Tips | AMSOIL Synthetic Oil & Anti-Freeze

Driving through mountain roads can be treacherous and challenging for both motorists and vehicles.  Sure, the scenery is beautiful.  But drivers need sure-footed driving skills to handle the task.  Likewise, your vehicle needs to be up for it, as well.

Steep sloping grades and twisty roads pose unique challenges to car-and-driver.  For the driver, mountain roads test judgment and reflexes.   For the vehicle, the rugged terrain places extra strain on everything from the engine to the brakes.  Take heed of a few life-saving and cost-saving pointers before you begin your mountainous journey, and the trip will be much more enjoyable for you and your vehicle.

DON’T OVERHEAT

The last thing you want to do in the mountains is end up on the roadside, over-heated.  It’s not only inconvenient.  It’s dangerous, especially on twisty, windy roads where visibility is poor and maneuvering room is limited.  Be especially cautious when towing a trailer behind your vehicle, since towing adds to potential hazards conditions and overheating.

DOWNSHIFT TO GO UPHILL

Shift to a lower gear when heading up hills.  Downshifting allows your car to struggle less while maintaining a constant speed.  To minimize your engine strain and maximize your available power, turn off your air conditioning and roll your windows if your car is struggling up a steep grade.  Running your air conditioner strains the engine and can contribute to overheating. 

If you have to pull off the road, try to do so on a straightaway or another spot where approaching motorists (both oncoming and from behind) will be able to see you clearly and avoid a collision.  Be sure to follow your owner manual’s specifications for cooling down your engine and using the correct type of anti-freeze coolant.  Ensure you check the coolant level before you start your trip, and for superior protection, consider using AMSOIL’s premium grade anti-freeze.   Caution: Your radiator works under significant pressure, scalding hot.  To avoid injury, never remove your radiator cap unless your vehicle’s engine is cool.

DOWNSHIFT TO GO DOWNHILL

What goes up must come down.  When head back downhill, downshift to use your engine and transmission to slow your vehicle, rather than using the brakes.  Just as the uphill climb is hard on your engine, the downhill trek is tough on the brakes.  Whereas you don’t want to overheat going up the mountain, you don’t want to lose your brakes on the trip down. 

If downshifting is not enough and you do need to brake frequently, pull over if you detect a burning smell.  It’s better to add 15 to 20 minutes to your trip than lose control of your vehicle.  If you’re towing a trailer behind your vehicle, be sure you test your brakes before the trip, and keep an eye on your mirrors for any signs of smoke. 

PREPARATION IS KEY FOR A SAFE MOUNTAIN DRIVE

As you can imagine, using your engine in lower gear at higher RPM, as well as for braking action, can wreak havoc on your pistons and transmission.  Your engine will be operating at higher temperatures and pressures than normal, especially if you’re towing. 

You can mitigate or prevent engine problems by using a synthetic oil designed for the task-at-hand.  Before your next mountain trip, contact LifeTimeOil.com and find out how to properly prep your vehicle for the drive ahead.  Whether you're traversing the Rocky Mountains or transiting along the Appalachian Trail, know your personal limits (based on your driving experience) and your vehicle's limits (based on the road conditions) to ensure you stay safe on mountain motorways.











Location: Isanti, MN 55040, USA

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