Accelerate gently and steadily instead of pressing hard on the gas pedal, especially in slippery conditions. [2] X Trustworthy Source State of Oregon Official website for the State of Oregon Go to source
Generally speaking, downshift to third at around 3000 to 4000 RPM, or around 30 to 40 mph (about 45 to 60 kph), and to second at 2000 to 3000 RPM, or around 20 to 30 mph (about 30 to 45 kph).
Downshift to first at a speed of 10 to 15 mph (about 15 to 25 kph).
If the engine is still unable to keep up with the incline and your road speed has fallen below 10 mph (about 15 kph), downshift to first gear and accelerate.
Remember to drive slower in slippery conditions. Avoid pressing the accelerator hard and abruptly, especially if the road is wet or icy. [10] X Trustworthy Source State of Oregon Official website for the State of Oregon Go to source
For steep slopes that you can’t ascend at a speed faster than 10 mph (about 15 kph), shift to D1 or 1.
Most newer models automatically prevent the stick from shifting if the road speed and RPM are too high. If the gear stick is locked, trying shifting when the RPM has decreased to 3000.
Additionally, if you have a newer vehicle, check for “Power” or “Hill Assist” buttons, which are settings that help make it easier to drive uphill.
For steeper hills or slick conditions, allow for a following distance of at least 10 seconds. When driving uphill, you’ll need plenty of time to react to hidden obstacles or stalled or rolling car ahead of you. It’s especially important to leave a safe following distance if you’re driving behind a truck or heavy vehicle.
Exact road rules vary by location. In some locations, passing on a hill or curve is legal only if there’s at least 500 ft (150 m) of visibility. For others, it’s advised to overtake another vehicle only if you can see 1⁄3 mi (0. 54 km) ahead.
Be especially cautious if you aren’t familiar with the road’s twists and turns. If you do know that there’s a sharp curve at the top of the hill, decelerate further to prepare for the turn.
If necessary, roll the windows down to get some fresh air.
When you do need to brake, do your best to engage them gently and gradually instead of slamming them.
The parking brake is also known as the handbrake.
If you park your car facing downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. That way, if your car begins to roll down the hill, the front wheels will hit the curb and stop the car before it can descend any further.
Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, remember to always engage your parking brake when you park on a slope.
Since you’re using the handbrake, your feet are free to operate the clutch and the gas pedals.
It takes a bit of practice to learn what the “biting point” or “friction point” feels like. It’s as if you’re pulling back the reigns of a horse, but the horse is ready to take off.
If the car starts to roll backward, engage both the parking brake and the foot brake, depress the clutch, and try again. Have patience if you don’t get it right away. Managing the handbrake, clutch, and gas and finding the right rhythm can take some practice.
If you’re at a stop sign and need to wait for other vehicles to pass, use the parking brake. If you only need to pause for a moment, just use the foot brake. Use more gas if you’re starting on steep hills. The steeper the incline, the more power you will need to get the car rolling forward. Additionally, release the clutch more slowly on steep hills.
If you’re parked on a steep slope, keep both your foot and parking brakes engaged until you accelerate out of the parking spot.
When traveling down a steep incline, remember to keep your car in a low gear to control your speed and take pressure off of your brakes.
An automatic should only roll backward a bit, so engaging the parking brake at a red light or stop sign isn’t absolutely necessary. However, using the parking brake when you’re stopped on steeper hills puts less stress on the transmission.
