How to Handle Long Downhill Slopes with an Automatic Transmission
2 Answers
When driving downhill, it is advisable to reduce your speed. Avoid driving at high speeds to prevent rear-end collisions due to excessive velocity. It is recommended to keep your foot on the brake pedal, but avoid applying pressure or braking unnecessarily. This ensures you can react accurately in case of an emergency. Maintain a safe following distance of at least 100 meters when driving downhill to prevent accidents caused by vehicles being too close. Since the vehicle is in motion, unstable steering can cause the car to drift, leading to tilting or crossing lane lines.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience driving automatic transmission cars, I never just rely on D gear when going downhill for long distances. That would make the car accelerate too fast, and excessive braking could lead to overheating and failure. Every time, I switch to manual mode or S gear, locking it into lower gears like 2nd or L gear. Engine braking utilizes the engine's resistance to naturally slow down the car, keeping the speed stable without constantly pressing the brakes. I remember last year on the steep mountain roads in Yunnan, with several kilometers of downhill slope, I engaged 2nd gear to let the car glide slowly. Although the engine RPM was higher, it was safe and worry-free. This is especially important in rainy or snowy conditions when the road is slippery—reduce speed to below 30 and gentle taps on the brakes are enough. Brake system maintenance is inexpensive; don’t wait until failure to regret it. Make it a habit to check the manual to confirm gear positions. Road safety is the top priority—learning more techniques keeps you calm on the road.
