Mountain Car Driving Tips: If you are planning to go from Delhi-NCR to Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital or any hill station of Uttarakhand-Himachal, then this long weekend (from October 2 to October 4) is a golden opportunity. In early October 2026, the weather in the mountains is pleasant, crowds are relatively low and roads are generally in good condition. But remember that mountain roads are completely different from plain roads. Due to narrow roads, sharp turns, sudden fog, possibility of landslides and long slopes, a little carelessness can prove costly.
Many accidents occur due to brake failure, overspeeding or wrong gear. Therefore, do not just plan a trip, also take full care of safe driving. With proper preparation and the right technology, your journey will be both fun and safe. Here are five important tips that every driver should remember.
Get the car thoroughly checked
Make sure to get the car serviced before travelling. Get brake pads, discs, brake fluid, tires (tread depth at least 3 mm), coolant, engine oil and battery checked. Brake failure is the biggest danger in the mountains. Be sure to keep spare tyre, jack, tool kit, torch, water bottles and first aid kit. Fill the radiator completely with water as the engine can overheat quickly while climbing. Keep FASTag and fuel full.
keep low speed and lower gear
Do not maintain speed more than 30-40 km per hour on hilly roads. It is easy to lose control by driving fast. Always use lower gear (second or third) when climbing so that the engine gets enough power. Even while descending, apply low gear and do engine braking. Continuous braking can cause the brakes to overheat and fail. Make a habit of controlling speed with gear. This ensures better control of the vehicle and reduces the risk of accident.
Honk your horn when turning and stay in your lane
Always blow your horn on blind curves. Never ignore Horn Please’s board. Stay in your lane (left side) and do not cross the center line. Overtaking should be done only on straight and clearly visible road. Do not reduce the speed by applying brakes at the turn, rather slow down by downshifting the gear before the turn. Avoid turning the steering suddenly or pressing the accelerator. These small habits save us from big accidents.
Pay attention to the right of way while climbing up and down
On hilly roads, priority is given to vehicles going uphill. You should move to the side, giving space to the vehicle coming down. When meeting a narrow place, be patient and let the vehicle from the opposite direction pass. Do not rely on brakes on long slopes. Control speed with the help of engine in low gear. Stop immediately if you feel tired. Take a break of 10-15 minutes every two hours. A tired driver becomes the biggest danger in the mountains.
Keep an eye on weather and road conditions
The weather in the mountains can change in 15-20 minutes. Reduce speed further in case of fog, rain or light drizzle. Keep low beam headlights and fog lights on. Check road conditions beforehand. Check BRO or local updates. Move carefully on areas filled with water or mud. Avoid driving at night as visibility becomes very low. If you travel with family, take help from each other and share driving. By adopting these precautions, your long weekend will not only be memorable but will also be completely safe.
