Driving up and down hills
Get out of the vehicle and assess the situation before you attempt to drive up or down a hill:
—Walk along the section and check the firmness of the ground. Look out for obstacles and other hidden dangers →
—Check the section beyond the hill.
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—You should not follow the route if it is too steep, uneven or if the ground surface is too loose. Select another route.
—Drive slowly and at constant speed straight up or down a slope.
—Never attempt to stop or turn on a slope.
—Accelerate only to the speed you need to climb the slope. Too much acceleration can cause the wheels to spin and lead to loss of
control of the vehicle. Too little acceleration increases the probability of stalling the engine.
—Vehicles with an automatic gearbox Do not change gear during the climbing phase.
—Use the offroad display (→ Offroad display).
If you cannot continue to drive up a hill
—Never turn the vehicle around on an uphill gradient.
—If the engine has stalled, depress the foot brake and start the engine again.
—Engage reverse gear and slowly move back on a straight path.
—Use the foot brake to keep a constant speed until you have reached safe and flat ground.
Driving downhill
There is an increased risk of rolling over when driving downhill. Concentrate on steering the vehicle, especially when driving downhill.
—Drive down steep inclines in first gear.
—Use the foot brake carefully so you do not lose control of the vehicle.
—Never exceed the inclination angle of the vehicle.
—If it is possible and not dangerous, drive straight down the slope on the maximum gradient (in the fall line).
—Use the offroad display and Hill Descent Control on steep downhill stretches (→ Offroad display).
WARNING
If you drive on an uphill or downhill gradient that is too steep for the vehicle, the vehicle can slip, tip over or roll over. This can cause
you to lose control of the vehicle and lead to accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
● Make sure that the gradient or tilt angle is no greater than the maximum permissible value for the vehicle.
● Always drive up and down hills in the fall line.
● Never turn or turn round when driving up or down a gradient. The vehicle could tip over or slide away sideways.
● Carry out the described activities if the engine stops or if it is not possible to drive on → If you cannot continue to drive up a hill.
● If the engine does not start, press the brake pedal with constant force and allow the vehicle to roll back in its own path. Maintain a
slow and constant speed.
● Never let the vehicle roll backwards down a slope in neutral.
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