I bought my Fit after my V6 sedan blew a head gasket on the way home from Yosemite. No love lost for the old battle-ax, but she did go up a hill without complaining in her day...

The Fit is more than equal to carrying my car-camping kit, I just wonder how it does on high passes, in high and/or low temperatures....would love to hear from other owners who have used them in the high Sierras or equal conditions. Anything I should know about mountain passes? Heading to the Desolation Wilderness next week...

Cheers, Hillary

 

Mine is a first generation 2008 Fit with a 5 speed stick shift. I drove it from Orange County to Bridgeport with a Thule Carrier on top back in 2010. I had no problems with hills on US 395 and Cajon Pass on I 15 on the way up. On my way home, I took the US 395 to State Highway 14 to try another way back. The car had plenty of pep on the highways and the hills. I chose to use premium gas on the trip, as it gives more power while driving. I also inflated the tires to the maximum pressure on the sidewall, as the desert roads are hot and hard on tires. The extra air keeps the tires running cooler and improves the gas mileage as well. At the time, I had my original set of tires on the car.

 

Thanks for the reply, I would not have thought to inflate the tires/use premium gas. Will give it a try.

 

u are aware with lower atmospheric pressure the tires will expand...
and higher ambient temps, the air inside will also expand..

just run the normal psi, maybe max 36psi cold at near sea level as temps will drop as you go up the mountain. 1psi change per 10F change.

the engine will retard timing based on the air it can breath. honestly i would not waste my money on premium and just drive like normal. have a safe trip!

 

Because they are unnecessary things to do.