2009 Hummer H3T Alpha Owner's Manual - Page 203

Driving Your Vehicle Approaching a Hill When you approach a hill, decide if it is 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 hill, the incline may get steeper as you near the top, but you might not see this because the crest of the hill is hidden by bushes, grass, or shrubs. Consider this as you approach a hill: 4-21 • Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you will not have to make turning maneuvers? Driving Uphill Once you decide it is safe to drive up the hill: • Are there obstructions on the hill that can block your path, such as boulders, trees, logs, or ruts? • Use transmission and transfer case low gear and get a firm grip on the steering wheel. • What is beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and walk the hill if you do not know. It is the smart way to find out. • Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain speed. Not using more power than needed can avoid spinning the wheels or sliding. • 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. See "Hill Start Assist" under Braking on page 4-3 for information on vehicles stopped on a grade. • Let the traction system work to control any wheel slippage. The traction control system allows for moderate wheel spin with some capability to dig in and power up the hill. • 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?