What gear should an automatic car use when going down a long slope?
2 Answers
When going down a long slope in an automatic car, use the L gear if available. If there is no L gear, use manual mode. If there is no manual mode, apply the brakes and use the S gear. If none of these three options are available, you can only use the D gear. The lower the gear, the greater the engine's traction. Keeping the vehicle in a lower gear results in a slower speed increase compared to higher gears. Combined with braking, this provides more noticeable stopping power and enhances safety. The L gear, or low gear, is equivalent to the first gear in a manual transmission. Engaging this gear keeps the vehicle in a low-speed gear. In manual mode, the driver can downshift as needed. The S gear, or sport mode, maintains higher engine RPMs, causing the car to shift up later or downshift earlier. However, the S gear will still upshift, so avoid pressing the accelerator. In D gear, the transmission automatically adjusts the gear based on the vehicle's speed.
Having driven for over 20 years, I always advise beginners to use lower gears like L gear or manual mode's low gears when going down long slopes. Engine braking helps slow you down and prevents brake discs from overheating and getting damaged, especially on mountain roads or continuous downhill sections. I've experienced the scary moment of brake fade when the car nearly went out of control—now I make it a habit to shift early, which is both safer and saves on repair costs. This technique also extends brake pad life. Don't always rely on D gear and braking; it's more reliable in complex road conditions. Regular vehicle checks prevent issues, but engine braking is an instant remedy.
