1996 GMC Jimmy Owner's Manual - Page 172

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 hill, the incline may get steeper as you near the top, but you may not see this because the crest of the h i l l is hidden by bushes, grass or shrubs. Here are some other things to consider as you approach a hill. 0 0 Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the surhce 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? out and Get walk the hill if you don't know. It's the smart way to find out. 0 I s the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have Is there a constant incline, or does the h i l l get sharply steeper in places'? ruts, gullies, troughs and exposed rocks because they are more susceptible to the effects of erosion. 4-19