Driving on Mountain Roads
To ensure that you’re not only keeping safe but also enjoying the ride, here are 5 tips that you should keep in mind for your next mountain drive.
Driving through mountains is a beautiful experience. If you’ve ever done it before, you might agree that it’s entirely different compared to driving on flat roads as it requires maneuvers that a lot of people aren’t familiar with. There are challenges that drivers need to be cautious of when driving at a high elevation: steep and narrow roads, lots of wildlife and other mountain mishaps that require lots of preparation. To ensure that you’re not only keeping safe but also enjoying the ride, here are 5 tips that you should keep in mind for your next mountain drive:
1) Your gas tank should be full before you leave
Running low on gas is the last thing you’ll want to worry about when you’re driving on a mountain road, and chances are slim that there will be a gas station nearby. If there is one, be prepared to pay for it – gas in the mountains is known for being extremely costly.
TIP: It never hurts to have some extra gas stored in the back of your car just in case!
2) Be extra considerate on the road
Respecting other drivers on the road will ensure that you’re staying alert and preventing potential collisions. Mountain roads are curvy, and sometimes it’s hard to see what’s at the end of a bend.
TIP: Take extra precaution when passing vehicles, obey the speed limit, and dim your high beams if you’re driving at night when you see an oncoming vehicle.
3) Keep your engine cool
Your car can overheat when it’s driving on steep roads. Pulling your car over on occasion to let the engine idle for a few minutes will help minimize the chance of an overheated engine.
TIP: If you can’t pull over immediately, turn your car’s heater onto the highest setting – this will help reduce your risk of an overheated engine post-pulling over.
4) Take frequent breaks
Not only for the sake of your engine, but for the sake of your health! Driving on mountain roads requires your senses to be on par with every single moment, which can be exhausting.
TIP: It doesn’t hurt to pull over and give your body and mind a few minutes of relaxation to regroup.
5) Check the weather
Temperatures change with altitude, and weather conditions in the mountains can switch in an instant. Visibility from the inside of your car can go from clear to extremely fogging in seconds, and this can be dangerous if you’re not expecting it.
TIP: Staying on top of the forecast will ensure that you’re prepared for whatever the climate throws at you.
While a GPS is helpful, it might not be the most useful tool when you’re driving in a remote place. Map out your route the old fashion way and pay close attention to possible warning signs on the road! By taking these tips with you, you’ll be guaranteed to get the most out of your mountain drive.
