Tips for Towing Uphill and Downhill

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

It is critical to practice safe driving when towing a trailer. This is because trailers can add a substantial amount of length and weight to your whole operation, and can change the way your vehicle handles. Couple in complicated variables like hills, inclines, and declines, and you have even more to think about. But with a little knowledge and a lot of practice, you can minimize your chances for an accident and increase your confidence in towing altogether.

Continue reading for some helpful towing advice that will give you the know-how you need to manage hills, declines, and inclines.

Hills and Inclines

More stress is placed on your vehicles brakes, transmission, suspension, and engine as more weight is added to its load. For this reason, inclines and downgrades can be especially stressful on your rig. To relieve the pressure and manage these grade changes safely, simply consider these tips:

Downshift on Declines. By simply switching your vehicle to a lower gear and reducing your speed when driving down a hill, you can relieve extra pressure and stress on your vehicle’s engine, brakes, and transmission. It will also give you much more control, especially in wet weather conditions.

Upshift on Inclines. Do the opposite of above. When heading up a hill, switch your vehicle into a higher gear for extra power and boost.

Minimize Braking on Declines. Try not to go crazy with braking on a decline. You need to give your braking components time to cool, so go easy on them when driving downhill. If you must apply the brakes on a decline, firmly tap your brakes with brief presses (one to two seconds). Pause for a few moments in between each press.

Watch the Temperature Gauges. Since extra weight puts extra stress on certain components in your towing vehicle, more heat is also produced while managing this extra pressure. Be sure to watch your temperature gauges for increases in engine or transmission heat output. Use a quality transmission cooler for frequent towing.

Zore’s Indy

Zore's Inc. Indianapolis Indiana

Zore’s Indy 317-247-8484

If you need affordable towing services, don’t hesitate another minute! Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing and recovery services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We are licensed, bonded, and insured towing contractors with decades of experience in the industry. We retain one of the city’s largest fleets of towing trucks and rigs for heavy duty tows, light duty towns, quick clearance, storm cleanup, disaster response, and more! Call 317-247-8484 today for affordable and fast tow truck services in Indianapolis, Indiana.