Gravity works both inside and outside your car at the same time. If you’re driving uphill, the force of gravity works against your car. If you’re driving downhill, gravity is working with you, so you need to use less power, and you may have to use your brakes. 

How Do You Drive Uphill and Downhill?

Driving on hills takes special effort, regardless of whether your car has an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. 

• As you drive uphill your car needs more power in order to keep moving at the same speed. 
• Automatic transmission

Before your car begins to lose speed by moving uphill slowly increase the amount of pressure you’re putting on the gas pedal. 

• Manual transmission

Before your car begins to lose power and speed downshift to a lower gear in order to increase the engine’s pulling power.

• Driving Downhill

As you drive downhill your car will gain speed so you need to decrease the engine power. 

• Automatic transmission

Ease off the pressure you’re applying to the gas pedal and your car will begin to coast, if you pick up to much speed press the brake pedal lightly. 

• Manual transmission

Before you start down the hill it may be best to downshift to a lower gear before you start down the hill use the brakes to slow down even more if you need to.

How Do You Drive on Mountains?

Driving up or down mountains presents special problems. You need to use extra care to be able to control your car under these conditions.

• Special Roadway and Traffic Problems

Sharp curves, steep grades, and other vehicles limit how much of the road ahead you can see at one time. When you come to a curve where it’s difficult to see oncoming traffic, slow down. If necessary, tap your horn and flash your lights to warn approaching drivers also slow down.

• Effects of Weather and Altitude

Rain, snow, haze, and fog are especially dangerous when you’re driving in the mountains. In high altitudes the air contains less oxygen. Lack of oxygen can cause you to feel short of breath and sleepy. If any of these symptoms occur, change drivers, or stop driving. 

• Driving Up and Down a Mountain

Use the same procedure to drive up or down a mountain as you would use if you were driving up or down a hill.