Geo TRACKER 1997 - Driving on Off-Road Hills; Approaching a Hill

Driving on Off-Road Hills
Off-road driving often takes you up, down or across a
hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and
an understanding
of what your vehicle can and can’t do.
There are some hills that simply can’t be driven, no
matter how well built the vehicle.
incline with only
a small change in elevation where you
can easily see all the way to the top.
On a large hill, the
incline may get steeper as you near the top, but you may
not see this because
the crest of the hill is hidden by
bushes, grass or shrubs.
Here are some other things to consider as you approach
a hill.
0 Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get sharply
’
steeper in places?
0 Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the
Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. If surface cause tire slipping?
you drive up them, you will stall. If you drive
down them, you can’t control your speed. If
you
drive across them, you will roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. If
you have any doubt Are there obstructions on the hill that can block your
about the steepness, don’t drive the hill. path (boulders, trees, logs or ruts)?
0 Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you
won’t have
to make turning maneuvers?
Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it’s one
of those hills that’s just too steep
to climb, descend or
cross. Steepness can be hard
to judge. On a very small
hill, for example, there may be a smooth, constant
What’s beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an
embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and walk the
hill if you don’t know. It’s the smart way to find out.
0 Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have
ruts, gullies, troughs and exposed rocks because they
are more susceptible to the effects of erosion.
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