What Gear to Use When Going Down a Long Slope?

[VonAthena]

When descending a long slope, shift into a low gear. 1. When going down a long slope, shift into a low gear and avoid prolonged braking. Instead, rely on the low gear and engine speed to slow down the vehicle (engine braking). Due to gravity, the vehicle will naturally accelerate on a long slope. Normally, a few taps on the brakes are sufficient, but prolonged braking on a long slope can cause the brake pads to overheat. Once the brake pads reach a certain temperature, brake failure may occur. Therefore, avoid prolonged braking on long slopes and instead use engine braking to control the speed by shifting into a low gear. 2. For manual transmission vehicles, depending on the driving conditions, shift into 1st or 2nd gear to use engine braking for speed control. For automatic transmission vehicles, shift into low gear (L) or switch to manual mode (for vehicles with manual-automatic transmissions) and select a low gear. Avoid prolonged braking on long slopes, as overheating the brake system can lead to brake failure. 3. When descending a long slope, choose an appropriate low gear based on driving conditions. The vehicle will naturally accelerate due to gravity, so the correct braking method is to use a low gear and engine torque for engine braking to control the speed. Prolonged braking is strictly prohibited on long slopes, as overheating the brake system can cause brake failure, leading to serious accidents. 4. Always shift into a low gear when descending a long slope and avoid prolonged braking to prevent brake failure.

[MacHadley]

The key to descending long slopes is to use engine braking, and never rely solely on hard braking. Having driven mountain roads for over a decade, I've seen too many cars with smoking brake pads. For manual transmissions, simply downshift—choose second or third gear based on the slope and speed, keeping the RPM below 4000. For automatic transmissions, shift to L gear or manually downshift to a lower gear using paddle shifters. Many modern cars also have a hill descent control feature that can be activated. The main point is to let the engine drag the car, significantly reducing the burden on the brakes. Before descending, always check the water temperature gauge and dashboard warning lights. During continuous descents, it's best to pull over every ten kilometers and rest for a few minutes to let the brakes cool down. Be especially cautious about downshifting early in rainy conditions. Downhill techniques are crucial for driving safety, so it's essential to develop good habits.

[Fernando]

A seasoned long-distance driver shares that the key to descending long slopes is speed control. I prefer to downshift two gears in a manual transmission, maintaining around 40 km/h in second or third gear. This increases engine RPM to assist braking, much safer than coasting in neutral. For automatic models, switch to sport mode or manual mode to lock in lower gears. Never use cruise control downhill—it triggers frequent braking, which is dangerous. For descents over five kilometers, it's advisable to stop midway and check brake disc temperatures. Also, ensure proper tire pressure before descending, as underinflated tires reduce braking efficiency. Always engage the handbrake firmly when parking on slopes. Mastering these techniques significantly reduces the risk of brake failure.

[Whitney]

Actually, the choice of gear for downhill driving mainly depends on the slope. For gentle slopes, use third or fourth gear to control speed, while steep slopes require downshifting to second or even first gear. For manual transmissions, depress the clutch while downshifting; for automatic transmissions, use the L gear or paddle shifters. The key is to utilize engine braking to reduce the burden on the brakes. I've driven a continuous 20-kilometer downhill section, staying in second gear the whole time with almost no brake usage, maintaining a smooth 3000 RPM. Always check if the brake lights are functioning properly before descending, and it's best to turn on the low beams to alert following vehicles. On long descents, frequently check the rearview mirror to monitor braking conditions.