What adverse effects can continuous use of service brakes on long downhill slopes lead to?
1 Answers
Continuous use of service brakes on long downhill slopes can lead to a decrease in braking effectiveness. The correct method for driving downhill is as follows: Shift to a lower gear and proceed at a low speed: When entering a downhill section, the correct driving method is to shift to a lower gear and proceed at a low speed. This ensures that the wheels and the entire drivetrain are tightly coupled with the engine. The engine's slower rotation will generate a braking force on the vehicle moving by inertia. This method uses engine braking to control speed, preventing brake failure and avoiding potential accidents. Avoid coasting in neutral: If coasting in neutral, the drivetrain is not connected to the engine, so there is no braking force from engine deceleration. This not only results in poor braking performance but also causes the vehicle to lose stability and slide sideways. Moreover, the harder and more abruptly you brake while coasting in neutral, the worse the braking force becomes, leading to more severe sliding.