Ankara Car Rental Mountain and Plateau Roads Driving Guide: Safety, Route, and Preparation
The mountains and plateaus surrounding Ankara offer unique routes for car rental enthusiasts with their cool weather and magnificent views in summer. Driving on mountain and plateau roads with Ankara car rental means not just transportation, but also exploration and adventure. However, these roads have their own challenges and safety requirements. In this guide, we will detail everything you need to know for a safe and enjoyable driving experience on the mountain and plateau roads around Ankara.
Popular Mountain and Plateau Routes Around Ankara
Although Ankara is located in the middle of Central Anatolia, it hosts many mountain and plateau routes that attract driving enthusiasts. Each of these routes has different difficulty levels and scenic richness.
Elmadağ and Surrounding Roads
The Elmadağ region, the highest point of Ankara, stands out with roads reaching up to approximately 2000 meters above sea level. Drivers who take this route by using Ankara daily car rental service get the chance to closely experience the vehicle's performance on winding and steep roads. On Elmadağ roads, it is necessary to be careful especially in windy weather; sudden direction-changing winds at high altitudes can affect the vehicle.
Kızılcahamam and Ilgaz Mountain Direction
The route extending from Kızılcahamam to the Ilgaz Mountain pass offers a route covered with forested mountain roads in the north of Ankara. Along this road, foggy and rainy conditions can be encountered frequently. The precautions we detailed in our Ankara car rental rainy weather driving guide can be especially life-saving on this route. Since the Ilgaz pass can be covered with snow in winter, tire selection is critically important according to seasonal conditions.
Haymana and Balâ Plateau Roads
The plateau roads extending to Haymana and Balâ districts in the southwest of Ankara are characterized by wide valley views and high plains. The biggest point of attention in terms of driving on these roads is the presence of single-lane and narrow sections. Especially the roads around Haymana thermal springs can be more crowded on weekends due to local traffic.
Beypazarı and Nallıhan Mountain Passes
The route extending from Beypazarı towards Nallıhan offers the most magnificent canyon and mountain views in the west of Ankara. The İnönü pass and the surrounding elevations contain sharp bends that require attention even for experienced drivers. The headlight usage tips we shared in our night driving guide provide a great advantage in the dim sections of this route.
What Should Vehicle Selection Depend on for Mountain Roads?
If you are going to drive on mountain and plateau roads, vehicle selection becomes much more critical than on flat and straight roads. Wrong vehicle choice directly affects both safety and comfort.
Are Engine Power and Torque Important?
Hill climbs are common on mountain roads, and at this point, engine power and torque become decisive. Vehicles with low engine power may struggle on steep ramps, especially at high altitudes, oxygen scarcity can reduce performance. Therefore, it is recommended to prefer at least a 1.4-liter turbo or 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine for mountain road driving. You can find powerful vehicles suitable for your budget by comparing different engine options on our Ankara car rental prices page.
SUV and Crossover Advantages
SUV and crossover models, which offer high chassis, wide tire base, and better road holding, are among the safest choices for mountain roads. Especially on plateau roads with rough or gravel surfaces, the risk of undercarriage damage is minimized thanks to the high chassis. Models with four-wheel drive option provide extra safety on icy and slippery surfaces.
Automatic or Manual?
On frequent bends and slopes on mountain roads, automatic transmission allows your left foot to rest while keeping your right hand on the steering wheel. However, some experienced drivers prefer manual transmission to be able to use engine braking. The hill descent modes and gear selection features of modern automatic transmission vehicles largely cover the advantages of manual transmission.
Driving Techniques and Safety at High Altitude
Driving on mountain and plateau roads requires very different rules and techniques from city traffic. In this section, we discuss the basic principles you need to know to ensure your safety.
Speed and Road Position on Bends
Speed control on bends on mountain roads is a life-saving factor. You should reduce your speed before entering the bend and proceed at a constant speed inside the bend. Drawing a wide arc towards the outside of the bend increases visibility and allows you to notice oncoming vehicles early. However, you should also be careful not to violate the lane; lane lines may not always be visible on mountain roads.
Using Engine Brake on Descents
On long and steep descents, pressing only the brake pedal can cause the brake pads to overheat and lead to brake loss. In this case, engine braking comes into play: you can control the vehicle's speed by downshifting and using the engine's rotational resistance. In automatic transmission vehicles, the hill descent mode or L (Low) gear serves this function. Against the risk of brake overheating, reducing your speed sufficiently before starting the descent is the safest strategy.
Encountering Oncoming Vehicles
On mountain roads, the moment of encountering an oncoming vehicle in single-lane or narrow sections is one of the most stressful moments. In this situation, it is necessary to use widening pockets, maneuver by pulling to the right if backing up, and be patient. Aggressive reactions such as honking or flashing high beams should be avoided; instead, a brief headlight warning to indicate your presence is sufficient.
Behavior in Fog and Zero Visibility Conditions
Fog is common in the morning hours in high areas around Ankara. In foggy conditions, speed must be reduced, and fog lights and four-way flashers should be used. Proceeding without hesitation and sudden braking in fog reduces the risk of rear-end collision from vehicles behind. When visibility drops below 50 meters, stopping at a safe point and waiting for the fog to disperse is the wisest decision.
Natural Risks to Watch Out for on Plateau Roads
While mountain and plateau roads offer the beauty of nature, they also bring some natural risks. Being prepared for these risks is the basic condition for a safe journey.
Landslide and Rockfall Risk
Especially in spring and autumn, the risk of landslides increases after rainfall. It is necessary to pay attention to warning signs on the roadside and not to linger in landslide areas. Passing quickly through rockfall areas, keeping the vehicle windows closed, and preferring alternative routes if available are among the safety measures. You can check current road condition information from the General Directorate of Highways website.
Animal Crossing Areas
The probability of encountering herd animals and wild animals on plateau roads is quite high. Especially in the early morning and late evening, cattle can come onto the road. Paying attention to warning signs in such areas and taking speed limits seriously reduces the risk of sudden maneuvers and braking. Not exceeding 50-60 km/h in wild animal crossing areas is a safe approach.
Sudden Weather Changes
Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous regions. A sunny morning can turn into a storm by noon. Therefore, before setting out on a mountain journey, it is necessary to check current weather forecasts and take basic necessities such as a raincoat and blanket with you. Even in summer, nighttime temperatures can drop below 10 degrees at high altitudes.
What Extra Equipment Should You Request for Mountain Road Driving When Renting a Car?
For mountain road driving, some extra features beyond standard equipment increase safety and comfort. Requesting these equipment during the car rental process prepares you for possible difficulties.
GPS and Navigation System
Mobile phone signal interruptions are common on mountain roads. As we explained in detail in our navigation and route planning guide, a GPS device or navigation application with offline map support prevents you from losing your way during signal interruptions. Preferring a vehicle with a built-in navigation system during rental provides great convenience.
Roadside Assistance Kit and Warning Triangle
In case of a breakdown on mountain roads, the nearest assistance point may be kilometers away. Therefore, the presence of a basic roadside assistance kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit in the vehicle should be checked in the rental agreement. You can be secured in this regard by choosing our roadside assistance supported car rental option.
Tire Repair Kit and Air Compressor
The risk of tire damage increases on gravel and rough-surfaced plateau roads. A tire repair kit and portable air compressor can save you from being stranded in an emergency. It is recommended to definitely check whether these equipment are present in the rental car upon delivery.
Fuel and Distance Planning for Mountain Road Driving
Fuel consumption on mountain roads increases by 15 to 30 percent compared to city driving. Among the main reasons for this increase are continuous hill climbs, driving in low gear, and wind resistance.
Distance Between Fuel Stations
On mountain and plateau routes around Ankara, distances of 40-80 km can be seen between gas stations. When the fuel gauge drops below half, it may not be enough until the next station. Therefore, it is necessary to fill your tank completely before leaving Ankara and mark the stations on the route on the map in advance. Carrying a jerrycan or spare fuel container on long routes also provides extra security.
How to Estimate Range?
In mountain road conditions, the vehicle's range decreases compared to normal use. A vehicle that consumes 6-7 liters per 100 km on average outside the city can go up to 8-9 liters on mountain roads. Making your range estimate by taking this increase into account ensures you are not stranded when fuel runs out. Since hybrid vehicles can switch to charge preservation mode on mountain roads, fully gasoline vehicles are more predictable on these routes.
Effects of High Altitude on Vehicle and Driver
As altitude increases, both vehicle performance and the human body undergo changes. Knowing these effects is important for driving safety and comfort.
Decrease in Engine Performance
Above 1500 meters from sea level, oxygen density decreases, and this situation especially reduces the performance of naturally aspirated engines. Turbo engines are less affected by this effect, but power loss can still be felt. At high altitude, the engine heats up more quickly, so it is necessary to pay attention to the vehicle's cooling system and monitor the temperature warning light.
Fatigue and Headache in the Driver
At altitudes of 2000 meters and above, some drivers may feel headache, slight dizziness, and fatigue. This situation negatively affects driving concentration. Consuming enough water, taking regular breaks, and avoiding heavy meals alleviate the effects of high altitude on the body. Taking a break every 2 hours on long mountain road drives is the golden rule of safe driving.
Mountain Road Driving in Winter: Extra Attention Required
In winter, the mountain roads around Ankara can be covered with snow and ice. During this period, driving conditions become dramatically more difficult and require extra preparation.
Winter Tire and Chain Requirement
In Turkey, not having winter tires on snow-covered roads in winter is subject to legal sanctions. As we explained in detail in our winter car rental guide, you must definitely check whether your rental car has winter tires. Additionally, carrying chains on mountain roads and knowing how to put them on is vital.
Avalanche Risk and Closed Roads
In winter, avalanche risk poses a significant danger at high altitudes. Situations where highway teams close the road in avalanche-prone areas are frequently experienced. Before setting out, it is mandatory to check road condition information from the General Directorate of Highways and Traffic Directorate websites. Entering a closed road is both prohibited and a life-threatening risk.
Things to Consider on Mountain Roads for Photo and Video Shooting
The mountain and plateau roads around Ankara offer magnificent views that attract photography enthusiasts. However, it is necessary not to neglect safety rules when shooting in this environment.
Safe Shooting Points
Stopping on the roadside, especially on winding sections, poses a great danger for vehicles coming from behind. Widening pockets and rest areas are safe points for shooting. Preferring a safe area a few hundred meters ahead instead of stopping on the road ensures both your safety and that of other drivers.
Drone Usage Rules
Although drone usage is tempting for those who want to shoot mountain views from the air, drone usage in Turkey is subject to civil aviation rules. Flying drones over national parks and military areas is prohibited. Additionally, low-altitude flights should be avoided in wildlife areas so as not to disturb natural life.
Best Timing for Ankara Mountain and Plateau Routes
Timing directly affects the quality of the experience in mountain road driving. When the season and time of day are chosen correctly, both safety and scenic enjoyment reach the highest level.
Spring and Summer Months
The period from mid-May to the end of September is the most suitable time range for mountain and plateau roads around Ankara. During this period, roads are free of snow, days are long, and temperatures are moderate. As we stated in our summer car rental guide, plateau flowers and greening valleys offer a magnificent view in early summer.
Autumn Colors
Late September and early October constitute the most colorful period of mountain roads. The yellow, orange, and red tones of deciduous trees offer unforgettable frames for photography enthusiasts. However, since weather conditions can change rapidly during this period, it is necessary to follow daily weather forecasts and avoid rainy days.
Conclusion: The Key to Conscious Driving on Mountain and Plateau Roads
The mountain and plateau roads around Ankara offer an unforgettable experience with proper preparation and conscious driving. Evaluating many factors in advance, from vehicle selection to fuel planning, from natural risks to weather conditions, is mandatory for a safe and enjoyable journey. As Fores Car Rental, we are with you at every moment of your mountain road adventure with our wide vehicle fleet and 24/7 customer service. Remember, on mountain roads, not haste but caution wins; every bend is the herald of a new view.
