What gear should an automatic car be in when going down a long slope?

[AliyahDella]

An automatic car should be in L gear when going down a long slope to control the speed with the gear, avoiding prolonged use of the brakes which can cause unnecessary wear on the brake pads. The gears of an automatic transmission include: P gear for parking, R gear for reverse, N gear for neutral, D gear for drive, S gear for sport mode, and OD gear for overdrive. The correct way to use an automatic transmission is: 1. The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear. To shift out of P gear, the brake must be pressed. Turn on the power, press the brake, shift to N gear, and after ignition, shift to D gear to move forward directly. 2. When switching between N, D, and 3 gears, there is no need to press the shift button. To shift down from 3 gear to a lower gear, the shift button must be pressed, but shifting from a lower gear to a higher gear does not require pressing the shift button. 3. Do not shift into N gear to coast while driving. 4. Never shift into P gear while driving. 5. After driving, the engine must be turned off and shifted into P gear before the key can be removed.

[SanKaylee]

When driving an automatic transmission car down a long slope, I personally prefer using lower gears. As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've navigated many mountainous roads. I remember that steep slope in Yunnan - initially using D gear made my brakes almost smoke. Later, switching to L gear or manual mode's 2nd gear allowed the engine to assist with deceleration, almost like the car was braking itself, which was incredibly effortless. Now before every descent, I always shift gears in advance to protect the braking system from overheating. Some drivers overlook this, thinking D gear is sufficient, but prolonged use can wear brake pads faster and increase accident risks. Try manually shifting gears - you'll notice smoother vehicle control, more confident driving, and most importantly, extended vehicle lifespan. It's truly a win-win solution.

[MacElizabeth]

As a car enthusiast, I love experimenting with new techniques. When going downhill, never stick to just D mode! Switch to manual mode's lower gear or directly engage L mode, and the engine acts like a natural brake. The principle is simple: internal engine resistance helps slow the car down, reducing brake load. Imagine pushing hard against bicycle pedals when going downhill. Modern automatic cars have S mode or paddle shifters for more flexible downhill control. Practice gear selection intensity multiple times to familiarize yourself - don't wait until mid-slope to switch. This method protects brakes while saving fuel, which I've personally tested with remarkable results - both safe and economical. Remember, combining this technique with regular brake fluid checks makes it even better.

[LaNatalie]

Safe driving is my principle. When descending a long slope, it's essential to shift to a lower gear, such as L or manual 1st gear. Engine braking helps reduce the risk of brake overheating. A common mistake is relying solely on brakes, which can lead to weakened braking performance and potential loss of control under high temperatures. I recommend downshifting at the top of the slope to maintain a steady speed. If the vehicle is equipped with a hill descent control feature, it can be used as an aid. The key is to control the speed and avoid sudden braking. Combined with adherence to traffic rules and stable driving around turns, these practices enhance overall driving safety.