GMC Terrain: Driving Information / Hill and Mountain Roads

Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:

  • Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
  • Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission.
  • Shift to a lower gear when going down steep or long hills.

Warning

Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a long downhill slope can cause brake overheating, can reduce brake performance, and could result in a loss of braking. Shift the transmission to a lower gear to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.

Warning

Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. This can cause overheating of the brakes and loss of steering assist. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear.

  • Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross the center line.
  • Be alert on top of hills; something could be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
  • Pay attention to special road signs (e.g., falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.

    Driving on Wet Roads

    Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep-standing or flowing water...

    Winter Driving

    Driving on Snow or Ice Snow or ice between the tires and the road creates less traction or grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall...

    Other information:

    GMC Terrain 2018-2025 Owners Manual: Filling the DEF Tank


    Caution Use only DEF that is GM approved, or fluid containing the API certified or ISO 22241 label. The use of other fluids could damage the system, requiring costly repairs that will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Caution Do not mix fuel with DEF, and do not put DEF in the fuel tank...

    GMC Terrain 2018-2025 Owners Manual: Hill Descent Control (HDC)


    HDC can be used when driving downhill. It sets and maintains vehicle speed while descending a very steep incline in a forward or reverse gear. The HDC switch is on the center console. Press to enable or disable HDC. Vehicle speed must be below 50 km/h (31 mph)...

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