Sterling 360, Driver'S And Maintenance Manual, Page: 77 / 213

7-9
•
Before you install radio transmitter/receiver
equipment or tires of a size different from the
original ones, be sure to consult an authorized
Sterling service facility.
•
Even if the ABS system fails and the warn-
ing light illuminates, the service brakes can still
stop the vehicle, although brake performance
may be reduced under certain conditions. You
must, however, drive very carefully on slippery
roads. P. 6-11
1 Uphill grades
•
Downshift early, before your speed begins to
drop. This will minimize the load on the engine.
•
On vehicles with automatic transmission, there
are two ways to downshift:
1. Use the shift selector as usual.
2. Press down hard on the accelerator pedal.
If you depress the accelerator pedal to maintain a
constant speed when driving uphill, the transmis-
sion may shift down, increasing the engine speed.
2 Downhill grades
•
Before driving down a long or steep downhill
grade, test the service brakes and exhaust
brake to make sure that they are OK.
•
Downshift into the same gear used on the uphill
grade. Use the engine brake and exhaust brake
to help slow the vehicle. Never drive downhill at
high speeds.
•
On vehicles with automatic transmission, do not
leave the shift selector in “D” (drive). This will
not provide enough engine braking, and will
cause the vehicle to speed up too much. Lock
out the overdrive (turn the overdrive lockout
switch OFF) and shift down to “3” or “2” depend-
ing on grade. Use the service brakes to control
vehicle speed.
•
On slippery roads, avoid sudden engine braking
since this could cause a skid.
WARNING
If the tires slip with the exhaust brake work-
ing, the ABS will start to function and the
exhaust brake will be temporarily deacti-
vated. To prevent injury accidents or loss of
life, always slow down before entering a
curve.
On uphill and downhill grades
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