What gear should be used for manual transmission when going down a long slope?
2 Answers
It depends on the load and vehicle model. Generally, second gear is sufficient. The lower the gear, the stronger the car's power, but of course, the speed will be slower. When going downhill, it is advisable to use S gear or manual mode: You should alternate between using the brake and manual mode (low gear) to reduce brake wear. If you keep using D gear along with continuously pressing the brake pedal while going downhill, it will increase brake wear. Prolonged use of the brakes can cause the braking system to overheat, reducing braking effectiveness and compromising safety. When going downhill: The limiting gear is used as an auxiliary brake. By restricting the gear shift upwards, the engine is used as an auxiliary brake to reduce the working pressure on the brake pads.
As someone who has driven manual transmission cars for years, I believe the most important thing when going down a long slope is to protect the brakes. Think about it - continuously pressing the brakes can make the brake discs glow red from heat, and if they fail, how dangerous that would be. I'm accustomed to shifting into a lower gear at the top of the slope, like using 2nd gear for steep slopes and 3rd for gentler ones, letting the engine whine as it drags the car along. This keeps the speed steady, and you don't have to keep your foot on the brake the whole time. Remember, never coast in neutral - the little fuel you save isn't worth the repair costs, and losing engine braking is especially dangerous. Once on a mountain road, I saw the car ahead with smoke coming from its brakes, a consequence of not using a low gear. If the slope is particularly long, it's best to stop midway to let the brakes cool down. RPM control is also key - if it exceeds 4000, it means the gear is too low and you should shift up; if the tachometer doesn't move but the speed increases, you need to downshift immediately.
