1994 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 139

Here are some things you can check before a trip: Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside? Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape? Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? Lights: Are they allworking? Are the lenses clean? Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-freetrip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflatedto the recommended pressure? Weather Forecasts: What's the weather outlook along your route? Should you delay yourtrip a short time to avoid a major storm system? Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps? Highway Hypnosis Is there actually suchcondition as a "highway hypnosis"? Or is it just plain falling asleepat the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lackof awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a second, and you could crash and be injured. What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can happen. Then here are some tips: Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior. Keep your eyes moving.Scan the road ahead and to thesides. Check your rearview mirrors and your instruments frequently. If you get sleepy, pulloff the road into a rest,service, or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as an emergency. Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving flat or rolling in terrain. If you drive regularlyin steep country, or if you're planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels also the and brakes, tires, cooling systemand transaxle. These parts can work hard on mountain roads. Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go down a steep or long hill. 137