Buick 2007 Rainier Owner's Manual page 305

Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, you need to decide
if it is one of those hills that is 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 hill is hidden by
bushes, grass, or shrubs.
Here are some other things to consider as you
approach a hill.
•
Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get
sharply steeper in places?
•
Is there good traction on the hillside, or will
the surface cause tire slipping?
•
Is there a straight path up or down the hill so
you will not have to make turning maneuvers?
•
Are there obstructions on the hill that can
block your path, such as boulders, trees, logs,
or ruts?
•
What is beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an
embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and
walk the hill if you do not know. It is the smart
way to find out.
•
Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often
have ruts, gullies, troughs, and exposed rocks
because they are more susceptible to the
effects of erosion.
305