9 expert tips for driving on complex roads
(Baonghean.vn) - Driving on complex terrain requires a lot of skills and experience to be able to drive safely. Experienced car experts advise you to understand the car you are using.
1. Know your car
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| 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. |
2. Sit in the correct posture
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| The first thing a driver needs to do is adjust the driver's seat to suit his body. The angle of the seat should be aligned with the arms holding the steering wheel; the seat should not be too close to the steering wheel. You must have a good all-round view; your feet should be able to reach and press the accelerator and brake pedals properly... Although driving on complex roads will mean 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. |
3. Hold the steering wheel properly
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| 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 inwards when driving in rough conditions, as if the vehicle hits a rock or obstacle the steering wheel may turn sharply, potentially injuring your thumbs or wrists. |
4. Choose a vehicle with four-wheel drive
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| When faced with gravel roads, or a slippery, rainy road surface, four-wheel drive is a valuable feature. Four-wheel drive systems can help increase traction by sending engine power to all four wheels. You can choose from the following drive modes for the appropriate road conditions: 2H (Two-Wheel High): Use in most street and highway driving situations; 4H (Four-Wheel High): Use this mode when more traction is needed; N (Neutral): Use N only when towing; 4L (Four-Wheel Low): Select this mode when driving in quicksand, mud, or when climbing or descending steep hills. |
5. Driving through deep water
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| If the 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 conditioning and roll down the windows. Slowly enter the water at a maximum speed of 3 km/h, gradually increasing to 6 km/h once in the water... When you are out of the water, apply the brakes gently to dry them. |
6. Moving on unstable terrain
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| A common mistake when driving on rough roads is to accelerate too hard, causing the wheels to skid on unstable terrain... Keep the vehicle moving in low gear, the deeper the mud, the lower the gear. Keep the vehicle moving to avoid getting stuck; avoid sharp turns and changes of direction. If the vehicle gets stuck, slowly and carefully turn the wheels to get out when stuck in sand and mud. The Traction Control System (TCS) can help free the vehicle from a stuck vehicle. |
7. Moving on steep terrain
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| Use a low gear and maintain a low speed. If possible, drive straight uphill or downhill. Reduce speed as you approach the top of the hill. Be careful at the top of the hill because there may be obstacles in the way (such as a stalled vehicle). Do not back uphill or downhill with the engine off or in neutral (N). The brakes can overheat and cause you to lose control... When driving downhill, point the front of the car straight down; use a low gear because the engine will work with the brakes to slow the car down and keep it under control. |
8. Moving on wet terrain
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| Slow down and accelerate gradually. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin, making the ground under the tires slippery and smooth. Turn on traction control and turn off cruise control. Maintain distance from surrounding vehicles to observe slippery spots. Avoid sudden steering and braking; always pay attention when deciding to pass; make sure the windshield wipers are always in good working condition. |
9. Keep the car moving after the engine stops
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| If the vehicle stalls while going uphill, shift into reverse (R), release the parking brake and drive straight downhill; do not turn the vehicle around, as a steep enough slope to stall the vehicle will be steep enough to cause it to roll over... If the vehicle stalls while going downhill, shift into a lower gear, release the parking brake and drive straight downhill. If the vehicle does not restart after stalling, apply the parking brake, shift into P (park) and turn off the engine. Leave the vehicle to seek assistance. |
