There are many reasons you might find yourself driving in the mountains. Whether you’re going hunting or you’re checking out hot springs, there are plenty of activities on most mountains.
Even though you may be convinced that you’re a great driver, you may be surprised to find that driving in the conditions of a mountain can be quite challenging. If you’re not used to the winding hills and weather conditions, you can be in for quite an adventure. Besides the risky weather and terrain, remote areas, in general, can be dangerous.
To help you stay safe, here are some of the best tips for driving in the mountains.
Make Sure Your Car is In Working Order
The first thing you should always do before driving your car long distances is getting it checked out by a mechanic. A tune-up will determine whether you need anything repaired that could pose a problem during your trip.
Even if you don’t suspect your car has any issues that could flare up during the drive, it’s well worth having the peace of mind knowing that you’ve dodged any problems by taking precautions.
Fill Your Car Up
It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people make the mistake of running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. It’s important that you fill your car up all the way before driving to a mountain. Not only are there few gas stations around, but your car will use more gas having to drive up steep roads.
Before you leave on your trip, you should familiarize yourself with the nearest gas stations in that area. Doing so will ensure that you don’t run into any unpleasant surprises.
Use Your Brakes Carefully
When driving in the snow, you should avoid continuous braking. It’s important that you start to tap on the gas to avoid sliding. Overbraking can lead to fishtailing and losing control of your vehicle entirely.
Watch Your Speed
Since there are often winding and steep winding corners, it’s important that you drive with extreme caution. The best way to do that is to lower your speed considerably. Speeding in risky driving conditions is extremely unwise. Slow and steady wins the race.
Consider GPS
It’s ideal to have a vocal GPS to guide you through your drive. Pulling over to look at your map while driving somewhere dangerous can be an extra hassle you don’t want to deal with. Instead, consider using a GPS to help you navigate. That way, you’ll know that you don’t have to worry about a wrong turn, or worse, an accident because you were too busy pulling out your phone or paper map to look at the directions.
