Peter Greenberg: High-Altitude Driving

Q: Hello. I am planning to drive from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. Mapping Web sites route me through Denver and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. However, I don't know if my sea-level acclimated auto, or me, can handle driving on high-altitude roads.

Do you have information regarding high-incline driving, or any idea of what to expect? On previous mountain travels, I have seen autos on roadsides smoking and gasping—and I don't want to end up like them. I was thinking of driving through Phoenix northwards instead.

–Carol, San Bernardino, Calif.

A: I talked to an auto expert, and he advised that unless the car is really old or in really bad shape (in which case it shouldn't be making such a long trip), driving through the Rockies on an interstate highway should be OK. Bear in mind that U.S. interstates are graded to avoid extreme ups and downs and are intended for all types of vehicles.

To be extra safe, get your car tuned up before your trip, and fill it up with a higher-octane gasoline when you're at the higher altitudes. This can give the engine an extra boost and avoid any pinging and knocking. Also, if you car has an overdrive feature, don't forget to turn it off when you're going uphill. Overdrive is meant for fuel efficiency when you're going fast on flat surfaces, but it makes the engine work too hard on inclines.