Summer definitely brings in scorching heat and sweating and this is the reason we often seek refuge in serene lap of Himachal- our “Dev Bhumi”. However, while driving through the dangerous terrains of this state one must keep in mind “20 things on how to drive safely in Himachal”.
How to prepare yourself for driving in Himachal
(1) Himachal Taxis recommends that before commencing any trip make sure you are in good health. Any sign of illness may enhance problems such as light headedness, shortness of breath nausea or even serious attacks. In winters eating a fresh snow works as an acclimatizing agent too.
(2) How to prepare your car for Himachal
Needless to say that beautiful terrains of Himachal surely demands for thorough car servicing. Ensure the vehicle’s brake and transmission fluids are filled. Check that the brakes, heating and cooling, windshield wipers, battery performance, and exhaust systems are working properly. Your car should be in optimal condition to tackle any unexpected event.
(3) Getting the Gears (Gs) right
Whether you drive on stick shift or automatic mode, your vehicle will constantly get challenged on a road trip to Himachal. While driving uphill shift to lower gears whereas for downhill keep the speed same throughout the way. This will help the vehicle to smoothly manoeuvre down the hills and staying gripped on slippery roads.
(4) Foggy Road – Keep the Headlights on
Whenever you are travelling on a foggy road, always keep the headlight on. When in doubt, also use your headlamps to make yourself as much visible as possible to ongoing traffic. At times you can also blow a horn to provide added quiddity to your car during low visibility. The main aim during fog is to make your presence known on the road.
(5) Use Synthetic oil in winters
On high altitudes it is known fact that regular oil would freeze up and form clots which will block the supply to engine. Thereafter, it may take several hours to start your vehicle or even abrupt functioning of an engine. However if you have never used synthetic oil, Himachal Taxis suggest you to give it a try.
(6) Be Patient while driving
The golden rule is to never rush and rash when driving. The rule applies globally, so it does to driving in Himachal. Hurrying up on a hilly terrain may lead to many mishaps. This includes slipping your down the deep valley, colliding with other vehicles and eventually loss of many lives.
(7) Be careful with taking pictures
“The scenery is breathtaking, let’s click a picture of it. “Do not indulge in such cravings or you can risk your travelmate’s life by taking that one picture. Himachal is a hill station and thus offers plenty of places to stand and take a selfie/picture from your phone.
(8) Avoid travelling in Monsoon
Heavy downpours often make the roads slippery offering the vehicles very less friction. This may make them skid/fall down. Also the road can get blocked anytime due to landslides or increase in water level of rivers. Hence, it is often endorsed to avoid driving during monsoon unless until there is an emergency.
(9) Pay Attention to Wheels
If engine is the brain of the car, tyres are the heart. Even the best of tyres, age up and get worn off. Thus, to have a safe and a good drive one must also pay attention to the wheels. It is recommended to maintain an optimum air pressure in the tyres. Keeping a stepney handy for future uses is also suggestible.
(10) Use Turn Signal Indicator
Turn signal indicators are very important as apart from using them to indicate turning, they can be used to warn people of a stalled car during adverse weather conditions. Good visibility is not always guaranteed in the hills and during those times turn signal indicators act as warning system to other drivers.
(11) Check out the Brake system
Test out your brakes and see if the brake pads are working properly. Also check your handbrake if it is can hold your car well on an inclined road. Taking a look at brake oil level is also suggestible. A regular and a timely check prove to be very helpful for a long run.
(12) Mountain Road Etiquettes
Mountain roads are typically narrower than roads in plains so try to stay off the centre line to give other vehicles the pass. Also remember that cars driving uphill should be given priority. If you see any such vehicle either stop by/reverse till a point where there is enough space for both of you.
(13) How do drive on slippery snow road
Keep the speed low and constant and chain the tyres to save the car from skidding. When your instincts say you are losing control over the vehicle in slippery snow. What to do? Gently, let go off the accelerator and try to get the vehicle in straight line. Do not force a brake or you’ll make the situation much worse. Hit the brakes only when the situation is far too gone.
(14) Use brakes cautiously
Continuous braking down steep grades can quickly overwork your brakes. On declines use quick and light taps on the brake pedal to keep them cool. Pay attention to speed signs and anticipate steeps/ hairpin turns by braking before you take the plunge. By braking before turns, you shift the forces to the back of the car instead of front. This offers greater control and the ability to more easily coast through snaking roads.
(15) Downshift before extreme downgrades
For even better performance on steep topography, downshift into a lower gear. This will limit stress on your vehicle’s engine and brakes and help you control your speed. Make sure that you do this before you begin going downhill, as switching gears during a steep grade can be dangerous.
(16) Watch your temperature gauge
While you are ascending, keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge and try to keep it in the safe zone. If you see it rising above the normal level, turn off the AC and go light on the accelerator. You can also pull over where it’s safe and take in the view while your engine cools down for a while.
(17) Map out your trip beforehand - literally
Relying on your smartphone’s GPS app or your Garmin-type device may get you wherever you need to go without a hitch in urban areas, but these apps and devices tend to struggle in remote areas where small side roads may not be mapped completely or accurately. To avoid a wrong turn, plot out your trip on an old-fashioned paper map or your smartphone.
(18) Be cautious with Bus/Lorry drivers
Be aware that buses and lorries, whose drivers are very familiar with the ghat road, can come uphill or downhill at a great speed especially on hair-pin bends. Either stay far ahead of them or give them a pass on safe stretch. Also never slow them down esp while they are driving uphill.
(19) Engage the Parking brake
Always engage handbrakes while parking on the hillside. Put your vehicle on neutral mode (or depress the clutch) to see if the handbrakes are properly engaged. You can even use stones to block the tyres while parking on really steep inclines as even handbrakes can fail at times.
(20) Precaution is better than cure
You never know which turn will lead you where, hence Himachal Taxis advise you to keep your car stocked with:
A. Keep sufficient water and snacks (e.g. chocolate, nuts and other eatables)
B. Anti-vomiting tablets.
C. Extra Tyre and Puncture repair kit.
D. Spare cables for accelerator, brake and clutch.
E. Fuel Container.
Having said all that, go out in those greens and get lost in the beautiful and mesmerizing vistas of Himachal, but this time all prepared.
Best of luck daredevils!