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driving down an icy, curved hill?

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!

8 Answers

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  • 7 years ago
    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?

    Source(s): 34 years in the auto business
  • 7 years ago

    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.

  • 7 years ago

    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
    Lv 7
    7 years ago

    1. Buy snow tires.

    2. Drive up and down the hill.

    That's about it.

    Remember that you cannot turn with brakes locked.

    Source(s): Live on a big hill in northern climate.
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  • Mark F
    Lv 7
    7 years ago

    Winter tires.

    Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70, Michelin X-Ice3, Continental Extreme Winter Contact - any of those will get the job done no problem.

  • 7 years ago

    Get some good winter tires Give yourself lots of time Drive slow,

  • 7 years ago

    Chains

  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    Fire is right... but I am sure that it will be plowed, salted, and sanded (if applicable). Nevertheless, follow Fire's tips.

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