How to Properly Control Speed When Descending a Long Slope?
2 Answers
It is necessary to shift the transmission into a lower gear to utilize engine braking, while also applying the brakes to maintain the vehicle speed within a reasonable range. First, switch the car to manual mode, shift into first gear in manual mode, and use engine braking in combination with the brakes to descend the slope.
I used to drive a lot on mountain roads, and the biggest fear on long descents was brake overheating and failure. The key is to make good use of engine braking. In an automatic transmission car, I switch to manual mode or the L gear to let the engine rev higher and slow down the vehicle. This way, I only need to lightly tap the brakes intermittently instead of pressing them continuously, which helps avoid overheating the brake discs and affecting performance. In actual driving, I keep an eye on the tachometer, maintaining around 3,000 RPM, and fine-tune the gear based on the steepness of the slope. At the same time, it's essential to increase the following distance to prepare for sudden deceleration by the vehicle ahead or sharper turns. If there's ice, snow, or slippery conditions, it's even more critical to reduce the initial speed and work with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to prevent skidding. Remember, if the descent is several kilometers long, take regular breaks in safe areas to let the brakes cool down and avoid mid-journey emergencies.
