I recently moved, and I live on the top of a very steep hill with sharp, S-shaped curves. I have been driving in ice and snow for years, but never on a hill like this. (And, no, there is no way to avoid it.) What are the best techniques to get down in one piece? I have a small, automatic Plymouth Neon. It has front wheel drive, and fairly new tires. Help, please!
fire4511
Favorite Answer
Go slowly
Shift the transmission into 1st (low) and use the brakes as little as possible.
Go slowly
Make no sudden moves, if you have to use the brakes apply them gently
Did I mention to go slowly?
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Watch how other drivers handle it - the ones who've done it before.
Consider getting studded tires.
I would assume that the city salt and grit it, in which case it may not be so bad.
Years ago the municpal workers where I lived at the time were on strike, and one hill - probably easier than yours - was jammed with drivers trying and failing to get up it. I've also seen
a string of rear-enders when people slid on ice under a bridge into cars stopped at lights just
the other side.
In theory you can coast across a sheet of ice then brake on clear tarmac the other side, but that takes confidence and knowing the clear tarmac in fact exists.
StephenWeinstein
The best option is to leave the car parked at the bottom of the hill, and walk up and down it, so that you don't need to drive on it.
If you are going to drive, you do it the same way as anywhere else with ice, except much slower.
Ian K
1. Buy snow tires.
2. Drive up and down the hill.
That's about it.
Remember that you cannot turn with brakes locked.
Mark F
Winter tires.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70, Michelin X-Ice3, Continental Extreme Winter Contact - any of those will get the job done no problem.