Taking a drive through the beautiful Utah mountains can be an exhilarating experience, but it's one you need to prepare for before you go. Driving in the mountains is a different experience than driving through the city of Bountiful. If you're unprepared, you can put yourself and other drivers at risk. Plus, you'll enjoy your trip more when you know what to expect and how to take on steep roads in your Mazda. Use this list of tips for driving in the mountains so you stay safe and have fun.

Get Yourself and Your Vehicle Ready

You can prepare for a drive in the mountains by getting a tuneup for your vehicle at our state-of-the-art service department at Bountiful Mazda. Mountain driving puts more stress on your vehicle's engine and other parts. A tuneup helps ensure your car is running at its best. You'll also want to get gas before you set out on your adventure. Many mountain locations are remote, making gas stations either nonexistent or more expensive. Before you head up to your favorite ski resort or scenic viewpoint, check that your brakes are working as they should, and top off all your fluids.

Mountain driving requires more effort and attention than cruising on highways, so it's good to get plenty of rest before you ascend any peaks. It would help if you also prepared for your drive by packing extra water and food in your vehicle. You never know what's going to happen when you're on the road, and traveling up in the mountains is more unpredictable than driving in town.

Use Low Gears To Avoid Excessive Braking

As you head down a mountain, avoid excessive braking. Frequent use of your brakes can lead to brake fade — a sudden reduction in braking power that is caused by your brakes overheating. You may experience brake fade if you ride your brakes to slow your vehicle down while you descend a mountain. Riding your brakes causes them to get hot, and the hotter they get, the faster they wear out and will need to be serviced sooner. Although brake fade is only temporary, it can mean your brakes are less effective afterward.

Instead of keeping your foot on the brake, switch your transmission to a lower gear, which is known as engine braking. This helps slow your vehicle down without having to use the brakes constantly. Engine braking can reduce wear and tear on your brakes, extending their life span.

Be Prepared for Weather Changes

In the mountains, the weather can change suddenly. One minute, it can be clear and sunny, and the next, you may experience rain, snow, or gusty wind. Make sure you're prepared for driving in any type of weather before you head to the mountains. You can do this by checking that your windshield wipers work and that your heat and air conditioning (AC) are operational. 

Keep in mind that running your heater and AC can affect your gas mileage. Turning them off could get you better gas mileage on your trip. Wearing a coat or multiple layers may mean you won't have to use the heat as much. Using your AC when driving in the mountains may cause your vehicle to overheat, which is another important reason to avoid using it if you can.

Give Right of Way to Uphill Drivers

Many drivers prefer to stay closer to the dividing line when they're behind the wheel. However, in the mountains, this can be unsafe. Mountain roads are often narrower than those in more populated areas. Rather than hugging the painted median, stay near the shoulder to give plenty of room to oncoming traffic.

Drivers going uphill should always get right of way. If an uphill driver is passing someone, slow down and give them time to get back in lane after they pass. Going uphill is harder on a vehicle than going downhill, so be courteous, and give uphill drivers space.

Plan Your Route Before You Go

Planning your route before you make a trip to the mountains will help improve your experience. While your vehicle's display screen is great for helping you get where you need to go, the mountains are remote and may not have a good internet signal. This means your navigation system may not work or you could have a hard time getting a signal on your smartphone, making your maps unavailable. 

Knowing where you're going before you leave is the best way to reach your mountain destination. Consider bringing paper maps or, at least, downloading a map on your device instead of relying on an app that needs an internet signal. If you want to make any stops on your way, include them on your planned route.

Take Your Time and Enjoy the Ride

Mountain driving can be taxing, so don't plan on driving too far or for too long. Driving while you're tired is dangerous, and it can be even more hazardous to drive in tricky road conditions and unfamiliar areas. You may know the roads of Bountiful well, but when you get up in the mountains, you need to pay more attention and focus on what's ahead. It's also slower driving uphill because your vehicle can't go as fast. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination and get back again so you don't feel rushed.

You'll probably have lots of opportunities to pull off at observation points along the way to take some breathtaking photos and stretch your aching legs. Take advantage of these scenic views. You can't look around as much when you have to keep your eyes on the road, and you certainly don't want to miss the beauty of the Utah mountains.

Find the Right Vehicle at Bountiful Mazda

Not all vehicles can handle steep grades or curvy mountain roads. If you need a car that can take you to the mountains with ease, contact us at Bountiful Mazda at 801-397-2277. We're open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and we have a large inventory of new and used vehicles that can take you anywhere you want to go. Let us help you find the right vehicle for your driving needs and lifestyle.

Image by Alek Newton | Licensed with Unsplash License