Thin air, long grades, and big temperature swings define America’s high‑desert and mountain highways. A few small habits protect the car—and your nerves—on alpine passes and desert two‑lanes.
Cooling on long climbs
Watch the temperature gauge on hot afternoons. Avoid extended idling after steep pulls; ease forward or park in shade to let airflow help. If heat creeps up, switch the heater to hot and fan high to dump engine heat while you slow down.
Use normal drive mode and let the transmission hold lower gears on grades. Manual downshifts are useful, but avoid redline. Keep washer fluid topped for dusty windshields — Phoenix PHX car rental.
Protecting your brakes on descents
Start down slowly and select a lower gear early—engine braking prevents overheated pads and rotors. If you smell brakes, pull into a turnout and cool them with the car in park; never splash water on hot components — Las Vegas airport car rental.
Leave extra space for RVs and trucks. Their slower pace sets the rhythm on long downgrades; trying to pass on blind bends is risky and hard on brakes — Denver airport car rental.
Altitude and driver readiness
Expect less engine power at 7,000–10,000 ft, especially in naturally aspirated cars. Plan shorter daily distances, hydrate, and take breaks—mild altitude effects feel a lot like fatigue — Salt Lake City car rental.
Fuel earlier than usual. Remote stations can be far apart, and storms can temporarily close mountain passes — El Paso car rental.
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