2008 Saturn Astra Owner's Manual - Page 178

8-26 Driving and Operating Before Leaving on a Long Trip To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing. Things to check on your own include: Highway Hypnosis Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe place to park your vehicle and rest. Other driving tips include: Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: • Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape. • Windshield Washer Fluid: Reservoir full? Windows clean - inside and outside? • Wiper Blades: In good shape? • Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: All levels checked? • Keep the vehicle well ventilated. • Keep interior temperature cool. • Keep your eyes moving - scan the road ahead and to the sides. • Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission. • Going down steep or long hills, shift to a lower gear. • Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments often. • Lamps: Do they all work and are lenses clean? { CAUTION If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope. • Tires: Are treads good? Are tires inflated to recommended pressure? • Weather and Maps: Safe to travel? Have up-to-date maps?