| How to Drive Uphill Posted: 23 Feb 2019 12:00 AM PST Driving uphill can be tough, especially if the slope is steep. In particular, if you drive a manual, you might have problems with stalling or rolling backwards. Shifting to a lower gear is the key to delivering power to your wheels and controlling your speed. Even if you drive an automatic, manually downshifting is wise when driving both uphill and downhill. In addition to mastering downshifting, you should also work on parking and starting techniques. It might take a little practice, but you can get the hang of driving uphill in no time! EditShifting Manually to a Lower Gear - Accelerate as you approach the hill, but maintain a safe speed. Steadily increase speed as you approach the hill so inertia will help your vehicle ascend the incline. Gain inertia, but be sure to obey the posted speed limit.[1]
- Accelerate gently and steadily instead of pressing hard on the gas pedal, especially in slippery conditions.[2]
- Depress the clutch, then shift to a lower gear. Press the clutch, ease off of the gas pedal, and shift the gear stick 1 to 2 gears lower than your current one. When you ease off of the gas to downshift, the RPM (revolutions per minute, or how hard the engine is working) will decrease. The right RPM at which to downshift varies, so check your vehicle's manual.[3]
- Generally speaking, downshift to third at around 3000 to 4000 RPM, or around 30 to 40 mph (about 45 to 60 kph), and to second at 2000 to 3000 RPM, or around 20 to 30 mph (about 30 to 45 kph).[4]
- Release the clutch gradually as you step on the gas. After you've shifted to a lower gear, gradually ease off of the clutch as you gently depress the gas pedal. The RPM will continue to decrease when you're in the lower gear, so gradually press the gas pedal harder to balance the RPM with your road speed.[5]
- Downshift to first or second before climbing a very steep hill. If you're ascending a very steep slope or driving a heavy vehicle, downshift all the way to first or second gear before you approach the hill. If you stay in third and have trouble getting up the hill, your vehicle may slip backwards when you try to downshift.[6]
- Downshift to first at a speed of 10 to 15 mph (about 15 to 25 kph).
- Downshift promptly if you're climbing the hill and start to lose speed. Third gear should be fine for moderately hilly terrain. However, you'll need to downshift quickly if you lose speed or if your engine roars and whines, which means it's struggling. To prevent stalling or overheating, depress the clutch, shift to second gear, then accelerate as you release the clutch.[7]
- If the engine is still unable to keep up with the incline and your road speed has fallen below 10 mph (about 15 kph), downshift to first gear and accelerate.
EditDownshifting with an Automatic Transmission - Speed up as you approach the hill, but obey posted speed limits. Steadily depress the gas pedal to accelerate before you start climbing the hill. While you want to gain momentum, be sure to keep your speed within the posted speed limit.[8]
- Remember to drive slower in slippery conditions. Avoid pressing the accelerator hard and abruptly, especially if the road is wet or icy.[9]
- Downshift if you're ascending a steep hill or driving a heavy vehicle. Unless the hill is steep, your vehicle is heavy, or you're hauling a trailer, manually downshifting an automatic transmission isn't absolutely necessary. That said, manually downshifting can give you more control over your speed and is easier on your engine.[10]
- An automatic transmission will downshift for you when you drive uphill. However, for moderately steep slopes, it's wise to shift to the gear range marked D2, 2, or L to ascend and descend the hill. For steep slopes that you can't ascend at a speed faster than 10 mph (about 15 kph), shift to D1 or 1.
- Ease off of the gas pedal, then shift to D2 once your RPM decreases. To downshift your automatic, reduce pressure on the gas pedal, press the gear stick's release button, and move it to D2. If you're driving at 4000 or 4500 RPM, wait to shift until your meter is around 3000 RPM, then press the gas pedal to resume a steady speed.[11]
- Most newer models automatically prevent the stick from shifting if the road speed and RPM are too high. If the gear stick is locked, trying shifting when the RPM has decreased to 3000.
- Downshift to the lowest gear if the hill is very steep. For steeper hills, shift to D1, if it's available, once you've slowed to 10 to 15 mph (15 to 25 kph). Ease off of the gas, shift the gear stick to D1 or 1, then hit the accelerator to climb up the hill.[12]
- Additionally, if you have a newer vehicle, check for "Power" or "Hill Assist" buttons, which are settings that help make it easier to drive uphill.
EditExercising Caution on Hilly Terrain - Leave 4 to 10 seconds of distance between you and vehicles ahead. To set your following distance, watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a landmark. Count "one-one thousand, two-one thousand" until your vehicle passes the chosen landmark. Depending on the hill's grade and the road conditions, leave at least 4 seconds between you and any vehicles ahead of you.[13]
- For steeper hills or slick conditions, allow for a following distance of at least 10 seconds.
- When driving uphill, you'll need plenty of time to react to hidden obstacles or stalled or rolling car ahead of you. It's especially important to leave a safe following distance if you're driving behind a truck or heavy vehicle.
- Pass on hills or curves only if you can see at least ahead. As a rule of thumb, pass other vehicles when driving uphill only when absolutely necessary. If, for instance, a vehicle is driving so slow that it's affecting your ability to ascend, signal that you're passing them with your turn indicator. Overtake them only if you can clearly see far enough ahead to complete the pass.[14]
- Exact road rules vary by location. In some locations, passing on a hill or curve is legal only if there's at least of visibility. For others, it's advised to overtake another vehicle only if you can see ahead.
- Lower your speed when you reach the crest of the hill. Slow down to prepare for the descent, your car will pick up speed when you drive downhill. Additionally, ease off the gas just in case you need to react to any hidden vehicles, cyclists, or road hazards just beyond the hill's crest.[15]
- Be especially cautious if you aren't familiar with the road's twists and turns. If you do know that there's a sharp curve at the top of the hill, decelerate further to prepare for the turn.
- Avoid running your air conditioner to prevent overheating your engine. Driving uphill takes a toll on the engine, so overheating is a major risk. To minimize that risk, don't run the air conditioner, especially if the slope is steep or you're driving on hilly terrain for an extended period.[16]
- If necessary, roll the windows down to get some fresh air.
- Drive downhill in a low gear instead of coasting or dragging your brakes. Whether you drive a manual or automatic, descend a hill using the same gear you used to climb it. If you drive a manual, shifting to neutral to coast down the hill is dangerous. If you drive an automatic, engaging your brakes the entire way down the hill will wear out your brake pads and discs.[17]
- When you do need to brake, do your best to engage them gently and gradually instead of slamming them.
EditParking Your Vehicle on a Slope - Engage the parking brake when you park on a hill. Even if the grade is slight, pull up the handbrake to prevent your car from rolling backward. You can usually find the parking brake either on the center console of your car (between the driver and front passenger seats) or next to the gas and brake pedals.[18]
- The parking brake is also known as the handbrake.
- Turn your front wheels away from the curb if the car is facing uphill. Park next to the curb and turn the wheel sharply toward the roadway so the back of your curbside front wheel rests against the curb. That way, if your brakes fails, your car won't roll backwards—the curb will block the wheels from moving any further.[19]
- If you park your car facing downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. That way, if your car begins to roll down the hill, the front wheels will hit the curb and stop the car before it can descend any further.
- Leave your vehicle in first gear when you park if it's a manual. Instead of returning the stick to neutral when you park on a hill, keep it in first. If the car is in first gear and the parking brake fails, the engine should stop the wheels from turning.[20]
- Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, remember to always engage your parking brake when you park on a slope.
EditStarting and Braking Uphill with a Manual - Keep the parking brake engaged and put the car in first. If you parked, be sure to straighten your wheels, which were turned sharply. Align them in the direction you want to drive, and double that the parking brake is engaged. Then depress the clutch and shift the gear stick into 1st gear.[21]
- Since you're using the handbrake, your feet are free to operate the clutch and the gas pedals.
- Check that the road's clear, then bring the engine to 1500 RPM. Turn on your indicator, check your mirrors, and look behind you to ensure there's no oncoming traffic. If the road is clear, depress the gas pedal to reach 1500 RPM, then release the clutch slowly until you've reached the "biting point."[22]
- It takes a bit of practice to learn what the "biting point" or "friction point" feels like. It's as if you're pulling back the reigns of a horse, but the horse is ready to take off.
- Disengage the brake as you gently release the clutch and accelerate. As you slowly release the brake, the car should either remain still or slowly move forward. In either case, continue to release the brake, steadily apply more gas, and gradually release the clutch.[23]
- If the car starts to roll backward, engage both the parking brake and the foot brake, depress the clutch, and try again.
- Have patience if you don't get it right away. Managing the handbrake, clutch, and gas and finding the right rhythm can take some practice.
- Use the parking brake if you stop at a red light. If, rather than parking, you've stopped at a red light, put the car in neutral and engage the parking brake. When the light turns green, use the same steps to drive forward as for leaving a parking spot. Shift to first, release the parking brake, and accelerate.[24]
- If you're at a stop sign and need to wait for other vehicles to pass, use the parking brake. If you only need to pause for a moment, just use the foot brake.
- Use more gas if you're starting on steep hills. The steeper the incline, the more power you will need to get the car rolling forward. Additionally, release the clutch more slowly on steep hills.
EditStarting on a Hill with an Automatic - Keep the parking brake engaged so you don't roll backwards. Start the car, straighten your wheels, keep the parking brake engaged, and shift to drive (or, depending on the slope of the hill, D2 or D1).[25]
- Make sure the the road is clear and turn on your indicator. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for oncoming traffic. Be sure to put on your turn indicator to signal that you're pulling out into the street.[26]
- If you're parked on a steep slope, keep both your foot and parking brakes engaged until you accelerate out of the parking spot.
- Step on the gas gently as you release the parking brake. Double check that the road is clear, then slowly press the gas. Aim to bring the engine's RPM to about 200. Then lower the parking brake and immediately put more pressure on the gas pedal to merge smoothly onto the road.[27]
- When traveling down a steep incline, remember to keep your car in a low gear to control your speed and take pressure off of your brakes.
- Use the parking brake if you're stopped on a steeper hill. Press the foot brake when you come to a red light, then engage the parking brake. When the light turns green, release the parking and foot brakes as you accelerate forward.[28]
- An automatic should only roll backward a bit, so engaging the parking brake at a red light or stop sign isn't absolutely necessary. However, using the parking brake when you're stopped on steeper hills puts less stress on the transmission.
- Getting the hang of driving a manual uphill takes time, so try practicing on low-traffic sloped roads.
- If you're driving downhill on a narrow road, yield to vehicles traveling uphill. It's easier for a car driving downhill to back up, pull over, and allow the car driving uphill to pass.[29]
- If you're just starting to learn how to drive a manual, keep your eye on the tachometer, or the RPM meter. To learn when to shift, watch your engine's RPM and get feel for when the engine starts to sound labored.
- If you have an automatic transmission and you're parking on an incline, engage the parking brake, then put the car in park and release the foot brake. Engaging the parking brake first is easier on your transmission.
- Always stop completely before shifting into reverse. As a rule of thumb, slow to 10 to 15 mph (15 to 25 kph) before downshifting to first gear.
- If your call stalls or starts to roll backward, immediately engage your foot and parking brakes.
- A car with an automatic transmission should only roll backward slightly. If you have an automatic transmission and your car rolls back more than just a bit, bring your car to the mechanic.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine Posted: 22 Feb 2019 04:00 PM PST If your shoes have become extra dirty or smelly, you may be able to refresh them in the washing machine. Canvas or pleather shoes can easily be washed on the gentle cycle and then air-dried. Don't wash leather shoes, formal shoes (like heels), or boots in the machine. Instead, wash these by hand. EditPre-Cleaning the Shoes - Remove any surface debris with a damp rag. If your shoes have a lot of dirt, grass, or mud on them, brush off as much of it as possible with an old rag. There is no need to scrub. Simply wipe them down to get the worst of the dirt off.[1]
- You can also bang the shoes together over a trash can to dislodge a bit more of the dirt.
- Clean the soles of the shoes with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. Start by getting a small cup and filling it with water. Add 1 spoonful of dish soap. Dip the toothbrush into the solution. Scrub the soles of the shoes with the toothbrush.[2]
- Make sure to apply a lot of force. The harder you scrub, the more dirt you'll be able to get off.
- Rinse the shoes. You need to get rid of any soap residue. To do this, hold your shoes over a bathtub or sink and rinse the soles of the shoes with water.[3]
- Remove the insoles and laces, if necessary. If your shoes have laces, you should put them in the washing machine separately. There can be a lot of dirt collected in the shoelaces and around the eyelets, so removing them will help the washing machine get in there and clean them.[4]
EditWashing and Drying - Place the shoes in a mesh bag or pillow case. The bag will help protect the shoes. Be sure it is securely sealed before you put it in the washing machine.[5]
- If you are using a pillow case, place the shoes into the pillowcase, tie the top closed, and use rubber bands to secure it.
- Add extra padding in the washing machine to cushion the shoes. Wash your shoes along with at least 2 large bath towels. Remember that you are washing them with dirty shoes, so don't choose white or delicate towels.[6]
- Wash the shoes, insoles, and laces using the gentle cycle. Put your shoes, insoles, and laces in the washing machine, along with any towels you want to add to the load. Use cold or warm water and little to no spin. Use the extra rinse cycle option to help remove any soapy residue at the end of the wash.[7]
- Using hot water in the washing machine may cause the glue bonds in your shoes to weaken, crack, or melt.
- Don't use fabric softener on your shoes. It may leave a residue that can attract more dirt.
- Air dry the shoes. Take the shoes, laces, and insoles out of the washing machine. Place the shoes in an open-air area to dry for 24 hours before wearing.[8]
- To speed up the drying process and help the shoes keep their shape, ball up a few sheets of newspaper and stuff the shoes with it.[9]
- Do not put your shoes in the dryer because it will damage them.
EditThings You'll Need - Rag
- Toothbrush
- Soapy water
- Laundry detergent
- Newspaper
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Thicken Ganache Posted: 22 Feb 2019 08:00 AM PST You've just made a batch of delicious chocolate ganache, but it's too thin for your baking needs—don't despair! You can try a few different tricks to thicken your ganache rather than scrapping the entire batch. Cooling, whipping, or adding more chocolate to the ganache will generally produce a thicker product and let you get on with your baking project. EditAdding Chocolate, Chilling, or Whipping Ganache - Use a higher chocolate-to-cream ratio to produce a thicker ganache. Milk chocolate, white chocolate, and compound chocolate all melt down to a thinner consistency than dark chocolate does. For a thicker ganache, like for truffles, use a 2:1 ratio of chocolate to cream. For a frosting ganache, use a 1:1 ratio. For a thin, pourable ganache, use a 1:1.5 ratio.[1]
- Compound chocolate is made of cocoa, sweeteners, and vegetable fat, and it melts down a little differently than baking chocolate does. Because of this, you do need a higher ratio of chocolate to cream than you would with couverture chocolate.
- When you measure out the chocolate and cream, use a scale rather than measuring cups to be as precise as possible.
- Add more chocolate to your ganache if you live somewhere warm. Higher temperatures will affect the viscosity of your ganache. If it's warm enough that the chocolate softens or starts melting when it's on the counter, plan on adding an additional of chocolate to your recipe.[2]
- Especially for recipes where you need a sturdier ganache, like for truffles or for frosting between layers, you want to err on the side of too-thick rather than too-thin ganache.
- Chill and beat too-thin ganache to turn it into whipped ganache. Cover the ganache with plastic wrap and set it in the fridge for an hour. Take it out and use a hand-mixer to beat the ganache until it gets fluffy and turns a lighter shade of brown. Use the whipped ganache to frost between layers of a cake or to decorate the top of baked goods.[3]
- Use whipped ganache as a dip for fresh fruits or cookies.
- Put ganache into the fridge to let it set and get thicker. Hot or warm ganache will always be thinner than ganache that has chilled for an hour. If you have the time, take your ganache, cover it with plastic wrap, and set it in the fridge. Leave it in the fridge for an hour, taking it out every 30 minutes to stir it. Once it gets to the right consistency, proceed with your recipe.[4]
- It's possible that the ganache won't thicken, no matter how long you leave it in the fridge. If that's the case, you'll need to reheat it and add more chocolate to give it a thicker consistency.
EditReheating and Thickening Chilled Ganache - Reheat the ganache on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the ganache still isn't thick enough after you've chilled it, then it's time to try reheating it and adding more chocolate. If you're using the stovetop, transfer the ganache to a saucepan and put it over low heat, stirring continuously. If you're using the microwave, put the ganache in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 15 second increments, stirring it between each session, until the ganache is warm and runny again.[5]
- Stirring the ganache frequently will keep it from burning. Use low heat or small increments of heat to safely warm up chilled ganache.
- Incorporate of chocolate at a time to the warmed ganache. Weigh and add chocolate in increments. After each ounce, stir the ganache until the new addition is completely melted. If you're using the microwave, add the chocolate to the bowl and stir the ganache before microwaving it again—the heat from the warm ganache may be enough to melt the new chocolate on its own. If it's needed, put the bowl back into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.[6]
- If, somehow, the ganache becomes too thick, add of cream to the mixture.
- Stir the ganache and add chocolate until the consistency is right. Until the ganache reaches the right thickness, keep adding of chocolate at a time. If you're using the microwave, use your best judgement to know when to microwave the ganache again. If you're using the stovetop, keep the heat as low as it'll go to prevent the bottom from burning.[7]
- With the microwave, the danger is that you'll accidentally cook the ganache for too long, making it dry and hard.
- Remove the ganache from the heat and let it cool, or use it right away. Once you think you've achieved the right consistency of ganache, remove the pot or bowl from the heat. Let it cool down on the countertop for an hour, or use it right away.[8]
- Luckily, the ganache should taste great, no matter the consistency!
- If you can't get your ganache to the right consistency, repurpose it and use it as a fruit dip or pour it overtop of ice cream.
- Always use caution when cooking with heat. Keep your hands safe by using oven mitts to take ganache out of the microwave or when mixing things on the stovetop.
EditThings You'll Need EditTroubleshooting Common Problems - Chocolate
- Long-handled spoon
- Glass bowl
- Saucepan
- Scale
- Hand- or stand-mixer
- Plastic wrap
EditReheating and Thickening Chilled Ganache - Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Long-handled spoon
- Chocolate
EditSources and Citations
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