What gear should be used when driving a manual transmission car downhill?

[DiLily]

When driving a manual transmission car downhill, the appropriate gear selection is as follows: 1. Gentle slopes: For mild descents like urban overpass ramps or rural road gradients with good visibility and no obstacles ahead, you can use the highest gear or neutral coasting (engine must remain running in neutral). Apply brakes appropriately when needed. 2. Mountain road descents: Primarily use gear selection to control speed. For moderately steep slopes, gradually downshift from high gears. If speed remains excessive, skip-shift down (e.g., from 5th to 3rd gear) - this demonstrates the flexibility of manual transmissions. Remember: Downhill vehicles must yield to uphill traffic, especially when navigating curves. Always watch for approaching semi-trailers on uphill sections and stop before turns if necessary to provide adequate turning space. 3. Steep/abrupt slopes: Use low gear control. Shift from 3rd to 2nd gear if speed increases, and use 1st gear or hill descent assist system for exceptionally steep slopes.