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Mountain Driving With Your Work Truck

Apr. 6 2022 Safety By Draco Isuzu Truck Center

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If your work takes you further afield than the San Diego area, then you’re going to end up driving your truck through the mountains at some point. California has many mountain ranges, from the coastal ranges to the Sierra Nevada, and mountains present a challenge to many drivers, especially in larger trucks. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you’re driving safely when you encounter a mountain road.

1. Take It Slow

First, you should slow down your speed significantly when going up or down a slope. Go as slowly as you can while keeping your pace steady. This is especially important when you’re coming down the mountain, as gravity will be acting on your truck to increase its speed significantly if you’re not careful.

2. Keep an Eye on Grade

The grade of the road can do a number on you as a truck driver; many drivers end up in accidents because they didn’t pay attention to the grade. Watch for grade signs so that you know the percentage of grade you’re approaching, which will help you to determine the proper speed.

3. Pay Attention to Traction

Maintaining your tires’ traction is crucial to maintaining control of your work truck. Try some of these strategies to avoid losing traction: 

  • Use all your drive wheels at the same time to scale a hill.
  • When you see the tracks of previous vehicles in snow or slush, try to drive so that your wheels are to one side of them, as you’ll get better traction.
  • Turn on the engine fan and watch the temperature gauge to avoid having your truck’s engine overheat.

4. Get Snow Chains

If you’re going to be driving in very high elevations, you’re likely to encounter snow, no matter the season. Icy roads are nothing to play with, so you’ll want to invest in some snow chains for your tires. Attach these when you see chain signs posted, but make sure to remove them when you’re approaching clear roads again.

5. Make Use of Runaway Truck Lanes

Many mountain passes contain special “runaway truck” lanes on the downward slope in particular, which are long ramps that are covered in sand or gravel. The ramp is designed to slow down a large vehicle that the driver has lost control of due to a loss of traction or something serious like a brake failure. If you find that you’re struggling to keep your work truck going at a moderate pace down hills, pull onto one of these lanes to bring yourself to a safe stop so you can call for help. 

Need some service on your work truck before you head for the hills? Contact the Draco Isuzu Truck Center service department to make an appointment with our mechanics so we can get your work truck in peak condition before your next drive. 

Looking to buy? Visit our dealership in San Diego, CA, to check out our fine selection of new and used work trucks for sale. We can also help you with financing options and provide trade-in values as well. Draco Isuzu Truck Center proudly serves all of San Diego County, CA.