When planning a trip by car to a mountainous region, you will inevitably encounter the need to navigate specific terminology. On maps and in navigators there are names that describe not just the path from point A to point B, but complex engineering structures laid over complex terrain. Understanding what a mountain road is called in a particular case helps the driver to assess in advance the nature of the route, the type of vehicle required and the necessary preparation.
Mountain paths can have different names depending on the way they are laid, the altitude above sea level and the configuration of turns. This could be cool serpentine, encircling the slopes, or high mountain traverse, passing across the mountain range. Knowing these differences is critical for safety, since each type of track dictates its own driving rules and requires special attention to the technical condition of the vehicle.
In this article we will analyze the main types of mountain roads, their design features and specifics of operation. You will learn how different types of mountain passes are technically different from each other, and receive practical advice on preparing your car for such tests. The correct interpretation of the road situation begins with an understanding of exactly what part of the mountainous terrain you will be driving through.
Serpentine: the most famous mountain piste configuration
When it comes to mountain roads, the first thing that comes to mind for most drivers is serpentine. This type of track received its name due to its external resemblance to a winding snake. Engineers design serpentines on very steep slopes, where it is physically impossible to lay a direct climb due to the limited slope limit for wheeled vehicles.
The main feature of the serpentine is the repeated repetition of turns, often with a turning angle close to 180 degrees. Serpentine always requires the presence of hairpin turns, where the turning radius is minimal and the road turns in the opposite direction. Driving on such a route requires constant steering and gear shifting, which creates a high load on the braking system and clutch.
There are several varieties of such sections, depending on the density of turns and the steepness of the climb:
- 🌀 Classic serpentine - alternation of sharp turns with short straight sections, characteristic of the highlands.
- 🌀 Gentle serpentine - used on less steep slopes, where turning radii are larger and elevation changes are smoothed out.
- 🌀 Double serpentine - a complex engineering structure where the road makes two turns in a row at different levels to gain height.
⚠️ Attention: When driving along serpentine roads, it is strictly forbidden to use neutral gear. Engine braking only on a descent is the only correct tactic to avoid brake fluid boiling and brake failure.
It is important for the driver to understand that there is often no shoulder on serpentines, and barriers can only be represented by concrete barriers or their complete absence. Visual control of oncoming traffic in such areas is difficult due to limited visibility in turns.
Traverse and its differences from other types of roads
Unlike the serpentine, which rises upward in zigzags, traverse (from French travers - transverse) is laid across the mountainside, bending around it at a certain height. Such a road does not immediately strive to gain maximum height, but follows a horizontal or slightly inclined line, encircling the mountain range. This allows you to maintain a relatively uniform gradient of ascent or descent over a long distance.
Traverses are often found in high mountain areas where it is necessary to connect two valleys separated by a ridge without climbing to the very top of the pass. Structurally, such roads can be more dangerous than serpentines due to their length along steep cliffs. Here the main danger is not the sharpness of the turns, but the risk of the car falling off the road surface downwards.
Key characteristics of the traverse:
- 🏔️ It runs along the slope, rather than going straight up.
- 🏔️ Often has one-way traffic or a very narrow canvas.
- 🏔️ Requires high concentration due to lack of places to travel.
The surface on traverses can vary from high-quality asphalt to dense gravel. In winter, such areas often become impassable due to snow drifts and avalanche danger. Engineers try to protect the traverses with galleries from rockfalls, but it is not always possible to completely secure the route.
When traversing, stay close to the rock face rather than the edge of the cliff, especially in narrow areas without guardrails. This will give you more room to maneuver and reduce psychological pressure.
Pass: the highest point of the route
Term pass often confused with the name of the road itself, but technically the pass is a depression in the mountain range through which the path is laid. The road leading through the pass can combine elements of serpentine, traverse and direct ascent. It is at the passes that the maximum altitude of the route is reached, which imposes its own restrictions on engine performance and the driver’s well-being.
Altitude is the main enemy of naturally aspirated engines. With every meter of ascent, the oxygen content in the air drops, which leads to a loss of engine power. For naturally aspirated gasoline engines, the loss can be up to 1% for every 100 meters of altitude. Turbocharged units cope with thin air better, but they also have their efficiency limits.
Features of movement through the pass:
- 🌡️ Drastic changes in temperature and weather conditions (even in summer).
- 🌡️ Possibility of encountering snow or ice at any time of the year.
- 🌡️ Risk of mountain sickness for the driver and passengers.
⚠️ Attention: At high mountain passes, the movement of vehicles with gas equipment (LPG) is often prohibited due to high pressure in the system and the risk of explosion. Always check for restriction signs before entering.
The road surface on the passes often suffers from temperature changes. The asphalt cracks, creating deep potholes filled with water that freezes at night. This creates a washboard effect and requires the speed to be reduced to a minimum.
Why are there often memorial signs or chapels at passes?
In mountainous regions, the installation of memorial signs or religious attributes at the pass is a tradition associated with gratitude for the safe passage of a dangerous section. In addition, such objects often serve as visual references in foggy or snowstorm conditions.
Classification of mountain roads by type of coating
The name of a mountain road often depends not only on the terrain, but also on the material from which it is made. In the mountains there are all possible options, from modern highways to primitive dirt trails. Understanding the type of coating allows you to predict the behavior of the car and choose the right tires.
There is a clear division between hard and transition coatings. Hard surfaces (asphalt, concrete, paving stones) provide better traction, but in the mountains they are often wet or icy. Transitional surfaces (gravel, crushed stone, compacted soil) require a completely different driving technique, eliminating sudden movements of the steering wheel.
Comparative table of types of coverage in the mountains:
| Coverage type | Clutch | Risk for cars | Recommended speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt (dry) | High | Low (except stones) | Standard by signs |
| Asphalt (wet/ice) | Critically low | High (drift into the ditch) | 20-40 km/h |
| Gravel/Crushed Stone | Medium / Slippery | Damage to paintwork from stones | 30-50 km/h |
| Soil (rolled) | Low | Dust, ruts, suspension | 10-30 km/h |
Particular attention should be paid to areas with gravel coating. On descents, gravel behaves like ball bearings, significantly increasing braking distances. On inclines, the wheels may slip if you do not accelerate before starting the section. Experienced drivers recommend using lower gears on gravel than on asphalt.
☑️ Checking the car in front of the mountains
Engineering structures: tunnels, viaducts and galleries
Modern mountain roads are not just tracks carved into rocks, but complex engineering complexes. To shorten the path and avoid the most dangerous areas, they are building tunnelspassing through mountain ranges. Tunnels allow you to bypass avalanche zones and serpentines, but create their own risks associated with ventilation and lighting.
Another type of structure is viaducts and bridges spanning deep gorges. These designs allow the road to maintain straightness where previously it required descending to the bottom of the gorge and ascending another slope. Galleries are built above the road to protect against falling stones and avalanches.
When driving through such structures, the following rules must be observed:
- 🚇 Turn on low beam headlights before entering a tunnel, even if there is lighting there.
- 🚇 Take off your sunglasses for a better view in the twilight.
- 🚇 Keep your distance, as the adhesion coefficient often changes in tunnels.
⚠️ Attention: Stopping unless absolutely necessary is prohibited in long mountain tunnels. In the event of a breakdown, you must drive to a special niche for an emergency stop or leave the tunnel, since exhaust gases in a confined space are deadly.
The structures of bridges and viaducts in the mountains are often exposed to strong cross winds. When leaving a protected section of the road onto an open bridge, the car can be suddenly blown away by the wind. You need to be prepared for this and hold the steering wheel tighter.
Engineering structures in the mountains are created not only to shorten the journey, but also to ensure safety, protecting the road from natural disasters.
Vehicle preparation and safety precautions
Regardless of the name of the mountain road you'll be driving on, vehicle preparation is a must for survival. The mountains do not forgive neglect of the technical condition of the car. First of all you need to check braking system, since it is she who experiences enormous loads on the descents.
The condition of the cooling system is also critical. On long climbs, the engine runs at high speeds at low speeds, which can lead to overheating. The radiator must be clean and the antifreeze must be fresh and meet the manufacturer's requirements. It is also a good idea to check the tire pressure, as it may change at altitude.
Main preparation points:
- 🔧 Replace the brake fluid if its service life is coming to an end.
- 🔧 Checking the oil level in the engine and transmission.
- 🔧 Availability of a snow chain (even in summer it can snow in the highlands).
- 🔧 Full tank refueling, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases significantly.
Driving techniques in the mountains are radically different from city driving. The main rule is to never turn off the transmission. On a descent, the engine must operate in braking mode, preventing the car from accelerating under the influence of gravity. Using only the brake pedal will cause it to overheat and fail.
What to do if the brakes fail on a descent?
If the brake pedal fails, don't panic. Try pressing hard on it (pumping) several times to increase the pressure. If this does not help, use the handbrake, but only briefly so as not to completely lock the rear wheels. Look for an emergency exit or a soft slope to stop.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does a car lose power in the mountains?
This is due to the thin air at altitude. In atmospheric engines, fuel combustion requires oxygen, the concentration of which decreases with altitude. Less oxygen means less efficient combustion of the mixture - a drop in power. Turbocharged engines compensate for this by forcing air into the turbine.
Is it possible to drive an automatic transmission in the mountains?
Yes, you can, but you need to know the features of your automatic transmission. On long descents, it is necessary to switch the transmission to manual mode or “L” (Low) mode to use engine braking. Otherwise, the transmission will constantly shift into higher gears, and the brakes will quickly overheat.
How often do you need to stop on a mountain road?
It is recommended to stop every 40-60 minutes of driving. This is necessary not only for the driver to rest, but also for cooling the brake discs and engine. Stopping should only be done in specially designated areas (pockets) so as not to block traffic.
Is fog in the mountains dangerous for drivers?
Fog in the mountains is extremely dangerous due to the sharp decrease in visibility and the proximity of cliffs. In fog, you must turn on the fog lights and low beams, reduce the speed to a minimum and drive, focusing on the markings or the right edge of the road. High beams cannot be used in fog - they create a “white wall”.