10 expert tips for driving on complex roads

Bao Linh• September 26, 2018 16:58

Driving in complex road conditions requires the driver to have a lot of experience as well as a good understanding of the vehicle he is using...

1. Preparation

Chevrolet off-road experts recommend the following tools and accessories when driving on rough roads in inclement conditions: All-terrain tires (if needed), (and a full-size spare); Tire pressure gauge, deflation tool and electric pump; Hi-lift; Safety kit including first aid kit and fire extinguisher; Winch kit; Tow hooks, tow ropes; Multi-tool, shovel and axe; Walkie-talkie; Compass; Flashlight.

Driving in complex road conditions requires drivers to master driving skills and have a thorough understanding of the terrain.

2. Use a vehicle with four-wheel drive

Fully equipped pickups will operate in two-wheel drive mode under most normal driving conditions but are capable of four-wheel drive in challenging road conditions such as heavy rain.

When faced with gravel roads, or other slippery surfaces, four-wheel drive is a valuable feature. The Colorado's four-wheel drive system can help increase traction by sending engine power to all four wheels. You can choose from the following drivetrains for the right road conditions:

Choosing the right drive system for the road type will make driving easier and safer.

- 2H (Two-wheel high): Used in most street and highway driving situations.

- 4H (Four Wheel High): Use this mode when extra traction is needed in most difficult or slippery road conditions.

- N (Neutral): Use N (Neutral) position only when towing.

- 4L (Four Wheel Low): Select this mode when driving in quicksand or muddy terrain and when driving up and down steep hills.

3. Sit in the correct posture

Staying in control of the vehicle is the key to safe driving. The first thing a driver needs to do is adjust the driver's seat to suit his or her body. The angle of the seat should be aligned with your arms holding the steering wheel. The seat should not be too close to the steering wheel. You should have a good all-round view. Your feet should be able to reach and press the accelerator and brake pedals properly.

As the car moves, your body moves too, so you need to have a proper seating position. Finally, you need to adjust the rearview mirror and the outside mirror correctly. Although driving on rough roads means driving at low speeds, you should always wear a seat belt, because it will help you maintain your sitting position while driving uphill and downhill.

4. Hold the steering wheel correctly

When driving on rough roads or in normal driving conditions, place your hands at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions on the steering wheel (or 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock depending on your habits). Hold the steering wheel firmly with your thumbs facing up. Do not point your thumbs towards the inside of the steering wheel when driving in rough conditions because if the car hits a rock or obstacle, the steering wheel can turn sharply, potentially injuring your thumbs or wrists.

5. Moving on unstable terrain

For slippery roads, the traction control system (TCS) will help the vehicle operate more stably.

A common mistake when driving on rough roads is to press the accelerator too hard, causing the wheels to skid on unstable terrain. Sometimes the vehicle can get stuck in mud or sand, making it difficult to control. The Colorado's Traction Control System (TCS) reduces engine power and automatically applies the brakes on the slipping wheels to help you steer more easily.

Keep the vehicle moving in low gear, the deeper the mud the lower the gear. Keep the vehicle moving continuously to avoid getting stuck.

Traction changes when driving on sand. In deep sand areas such as beaches or dunes, tires tend to dig into the sand, affecting steering, acceleration and braking. Slow down and maintain a steady speed, avoiding sharp turns and turns.

If your vehicle gets stuck in sand or mud, slowly and carefully spin the wheels to free yourself. The Traction Control System (TCS) can help free your vehicle.

6. Moving on steep terrain

Use a low gear and maintain a low speed. If possible, drive straight uphill or downhill.

Slow down as you approach the top of a hill. Use your high-beams, even during the day, to warn other drivers. Never back up or down a hill with the engine off or in neutral (N). The brakes may overheat and cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

When driving downhill, point the car straight down. Use a low gear because the engine will work with the brakes to slow the car down and keep it in control.

Make sure your vehicle is well maintained and in good condition. Check fluid levels from the brakes, tires, cooling system to the transmission. Shift to a lower gear when going down a steep or long hill. Be careful at the top of a hill because there may be obstacles in the way (e.g. a stalled car).

Paying attention to road signs will also help you drive more safely.

Pay attention to special signs (e.g. rock fall area, winding road, long slope, overtaking/no overtaking area) and take appropriate action. When stopping on a road with a steep slope (3 degrees, 5%), the hill start assist system will come into play. After the driver releases the brake pedal, the brake system will continue to maintain the braking force automatically for a few seconds (2-3 seconds).

7. Moving on wet terrain

Go slow and accelerate gradually. Accelerating too quickly causes the tires to spin and the ground under the tires to become slippery and smooth. Turn on traction control and turn off cruise control.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) improve vehicle stability during emergency stops, but on dry roads the brakes should be applied sooner.

Maintain a safe distance from surrounding vehicles to check for slippery areas. Avoid sudden steering and braking on slippery surfaces.

Always be careful when deciding to overtake. Make sure the windshield wipers are in good working condition. Make sure the windshield wiper fluid is full. Make sure the tires are in good condition and have deep treads.

8.Make the car move again (after it stalls)

Brake the car to a stop, then apply the parking brake (handbrake).Shift to P (park) and restart the engine.

If the vehicle stalls while going uphill, shift into reverse (R), release the parking brake and reverse straight downhill.Do not turn the car around because if the slope is steep enough to stall the car, it is also steep enough to cause the car to flip.

If you cannot continue driving uphill, reverse straight downhill.Never reverse downhill with the vehicle in neutral (N) and using only the brakes. The vehicle may roll downhill very quickly and uncontrollably.

NIf the vehicle stalls while going downhill, shift to a lower gear, release the parking brake and drive straight downhill.If the vehicle does not restart after stalling, apply the parking brake, shift to P (park) and turn off the engine. Leave the vehicle to seek assistance.

9.Driving through deep water

When crossing a flooded road, you should drive slowly, turn off the air conditioner and roll down the car windows...

With high ground clearance and systems that help stabilize the body and control traction, Colorado shows a clear advantage over small cars because this duo can wade through water up to 800 mm deep without stalling, as long as the car moves at low speed at this depth (owners should take the car for maintenance check after wading). Apply the following tips:

If the standing water is not too deep, drive slowly through it. If you go any faster, the water will splash up and your car may stall.Before entering a flooded road, turn off the air conditioner and roll down the car windows.

Slowly enter the water at a maximum speed of 3km/h then gradually increase to 6km/h once in the water.Once out of the water, apply the brakes gently to dry them.

10.Get to know your car

Sometimes you are faced with an obstacle and you are not sure if your car can overcome it. Don't take unnecessary risks if you are not sure. Knowing the vehicle specifications, width, height, power, traction and all the support systems will help you make the right decision and use the car properly. Therefore, understanding the systems on the car is very important./.