Tips for safe uphill and downhill driving for new drivers.

For new drivers, navigating uphill and downhill slopes is one of the most difficult skills and a high risk of accidents.

In driving techniques, navigating uphill and downhill slopes is always a challenge for many new drivers, especially when the road is flanked by high mountains or deep ravines.

For new drivers, navigating uphill and downhill slopes is one of the most difficult skills.

Driving instructors advise new drivers to pay attention to the following points:

1. Before going uphill or downhill (especially steep or long slopes), it is essential to check the clutch, front brake, rear brake, gear, throttle, and tires; if any part is not adjusted, it must be rectified immediately.

2. Use the same gear going downhill as you used going uphill. Absolutely do not use neutral gear (0) when going downhill because it is easy to slip, the steering is inaccurate and the braking is ineffective when emergency braking is needed.

3. When going up a steep slope, you must use the appropriate gear according to the technical features of each type of vehicle and the weight of the goods carried on the vehicle. Pay attention to the technical operation "quick and responsive" when you need to downshift to continue crawling up the slope, avoid getting stuck in gear, or the gear stopping at neutral (0) causing the vehicle to fall behind, especially in the case of a heavily loaded vehicle.

4. When going down a long slope, the vehicle accelerates faster. If a sudden emergency requires emergency braking, a combination of rear and front brakes, downshifting, deceleration, and clutch release must be used.

5. When driving downhill on a sharp curve (hairpin bend): always stay close to the right side of the road. Do not speed to minimize centrifugal force that could push the vehicle over or cause it to plunge into the ravine if braking is not quick enough.

6. When descending a ferry ramp (especially a steep one): When you reach the ramp and your wheels touch it, stop briefly to downshift before continuing onto the ferry.

The technique of using the clutch while stopping on a slope is only applicable when stopping on a slope for a short time, not for long-term parking or stopping. Accordingly, the driver will combine moderate clutch release with just enough throttle (if needed) to provide sufficient traction to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward but also to keep it from moving forward.

However, if this method is applied continuously for a long time, it can cause the clutch to wear out quickly due to the high heat generated by friction. On the other hand, using the clutch is really useful when you have to move forward little by little on a slope, and the stopping time is not long enough to engage the handbrake.

In today's market, users can choose automatic transmission vehicles, making uphill starting incredibly easy. Some vehicles even offer hill-start assist technology, sometimes making the concept of uphill starting completely forgotten.

However, for manual transmission vehicles, this is not a simple task; if not handled correctly, the car may roll back, affecting vehicles behind, or even causing accidents.

If you're not careful when going up and down slopes, the car will roll back, leading to dangerous situations.

Currently, there are two basic tips on how to start a hill that new drivers should remember to operate their vehicle more effectively:

The safest and most effective method for drivers is to pull the parking brake after the vehicle has stopped on a slope. This will replace the foot brake in holding the vehicle at a standstill. Then, you can release the foot brake and gently press the accelerator. Simultaneously, slowly release the clutch with your left foot until you feel the steering wheel or gear lever vibrate (indicating the clutch plates have engaged). Then, gently release the parking brake. Listen carefully; if the vehicle doesn't slide, release the parking brake completely, and the vehicle will move forward on its own. You can gently press the accelerator if the vehicle doesn't start moving.

A more adventurous method, often used by experienced drivers, is to avoid using the parking brake. After the car comes to a stop, release the clutch slowly until you feel the steering wheel or gear shift vibrate, then gently release the foot brake and listen.

If you feel the car rolling back, apply the brakes and repeat the process. If the car doesn't slide, release the brake completely, and the car will move forward on its own. If the car remains stationary even after releasing the brake, press the accelerator slightly while simultaneously releasing the clutch a little more. Once the car starts moving, keep your foot on the clutch and accelerator until you pass the top of the slope.

According to VOV