Today, ski resorts are gaining more and more relevance. Moreover, many people make a choice in favor of living in such an area. Regardless of the purpose, it is more convenient to get there by private car. But not every car can pass the mountainous terrain without problems, where, moreover, the weather conditions are constantly changing. If you are moving to the mountains and want to send your old car to a junkyard in Long Beach or somewhere else and get a new vehicle, this article is for you.
Factors to consider when choosing a car for trips to the mountains
Not all cars are suitable for trips to the mountains. For a comfortable and safe trip, it is necessary that the vehicle has:
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- Spacious interior with comfortable seats. It is good if the car is comfortable for sleeping, especially if the trip to the mountains will be with children.
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- Good luggage capacity. This is necessary to accommodate the necessary things of the whole family.
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- A powerful engine with a sufficient number of “horses” and economical fuel consumption. The ability of the car to go uphill depends on the power of the engine.
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- Large capacity fuel tank.
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- Soft suspension. Sometimes you have to drive on a bad road or even off-road.
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- Reliable engine cooling system. You will often have to go uphill, so the engine will need to constantly work at high speeds, which can lead to overheating.
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- The presence of driver assistance systems. This is necessary for the safety of movement.
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- Maintainability. You never know what awaits on the road, so the ability to quickly and easily fix the car or at least change the wheel will not be superfluous.
Only a car that combines all five requirements is suitable for trips to the mountains. Of course it goes without saying that you need to make sure the car has the best car insurance possible. If not, you will either have to abandon the idea of traveling by private transport, or use the “Plan B” and rent a car. Let’s take a look at a small list of the best mountain cars and their characteristics.
Top 5 ideal cars for a trip in the mountains
It is best to go on a long mountain trip in a reliable and proven car in order to avoid unpleasant surprises on the road. If you plan to drive only on official roads, a regular sedan or hatchback will do, but for those who want to see the most beautiful places, it is better to choose vehicles higher and more powerful. In this case, SUVs will be ideal.
The top 5 best cars for driving in the mountains include the following car models:
Jeep Wrangler
This classic 3- or 5-door SUV is not just a premium representative of its class, this car is great for mountain trips.
With high ground clearance (246-274 mm, depending on configuration), two uncut axles, low gearing, and the ability to lock the differential, it is ideal for driving off-road. If we also take into account the high comfort of the cabin, the trunk for 897 liters, and the ergonomic interior, with such a car any trip will seem not tiresome and pleasant.
Jeep Compass
The energy-intensive suspension of this car will help you feel confident on any type of road surface. The SUV features a spacious interior, covered in leather or anti-static material (depending on equipment level). Passengers in the back seat will feel more than comfortable, thanks to legroom and 12-degree seat adjustment. The luggage compartment is 436 liters, but by folding the backs of the rear seats into a “flat floor”, you can use the car for spending the night in nature. The front seat also folds down to create a comfortable table.
Mercedes-Benz G500
Going to the mountains on this SUV, you can confidently move over rough terrain. An impressive ground clearance of 241 mm allows you to overcome deep ruts, and high curbs and maintain a smooth ride on any road. The engine, with a capacity of 442 horsepower, will allow the car to overcome even the deepest pockets of dirt.
Ford Raptor (F-150)
This is a very roomy car (6-seat saloon), which will provide comfortable movement of passengers, as well as allow them to accommodate a lot of personal belongings. The car has 35-inch wheels and a 6,2-liter engine with 411 horsepower. The average consumption is 15-23 liters per 62,14 miles.
Nissan Xterra Pro-4X
In addition to a comfortable interior, a large trunk, and high ground clearance, this car has a downhill stability control system and other driver assistance systems.
How to travel in the mountains by car
A trip to the mountains requires special concentration and high driving skills. Therefore, we recommend that you understand the small nuances of how to drive in the mountains by car. So, here are the basic rules for driving in the mountains:
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- You can drive through the mountains only if you are rested, avoiding night crossings. If you have traveled more than one hundred miles before, or you understand that you will have to travel in the dark, it is better to stay overnight at the nearest hotel.
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- There are practically no roadsides on mountain roads, where, if necessary, you can stop for a while to eliminate a technical malfunction. For this reason, it is better to determine in advance the possibility of moving away from potential danger, and also keep on hand everything that may be needed if an urgent wheel change is necessary.
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- Try not to overtake the vehicle in front and pay attention to road signs. They signal many possible dangers on the road. Also, when trying to drive a car uphill, beware of oncoming traffic, as visibility is limited on the descent or ascent.
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- When driving down a mountain, be aware of the distance between you and the vehicle in front.
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- Do not turn off speed when driving downhill. You only need to brake with the engine, since the standard brake system (brake pads) tends to overheat and loses its properties.
Final thoughts
Living in the highlands is a great experience. If you know what features a car for mountainous terrain should have, choosing the right vehicle will not be a problem. If you want to get rid of your unwanted car, JunkCarsUs will help you sell your non-running, damaged, or totaled car quickly. You can contact the company’s employees wherever you are.
Larry Alton is a blogger and passionate writer at Managerteams.com. He loves cooking and is fond of traveling.