1995 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 150

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 incline with only a small change in elevation where you can easily see all the way to the top. On a large the incline may get steeper as you near the top, hill, but you may not see this because the crest of the hill is hidden by bushes, grass, or shrubs. Here are someother things to consider as you approach a hill. 0 Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get sharply steeper in places? Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the surface cause tire slipping? Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you won't have to make turning maneuvers? 0 Are there obstructions on the hill that can block your path (boulders, trees, logs or ruts)? What's beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out walk the hill if you don't know. It's the smart way and to find out. 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. 0 0 Driving Uphill Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you need to take some special steps. 0 0 Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the steering wheel. Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain your speed. Don't use more power than you need, because you don't want your wheels to start spinning orsliding. Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible. If the path twists and turns, you might want to find another route. 0 A CAUTION: Xhrning or driving across steep hills can be dangerous. You You could lose traction, slide sideways, and possibly roll over. could be seriously injured killed. When driving up hills, or always tryto go straight up. 4- 16