What is the appropriate gear for a manual transmission car when going downhill?

[Miller]

For a manual transmission car, it is advisable to use 2nd or 3rd gear when going downhill. Here is more information about driving downhill: 1. When driving downhill, it is necessary to control the speed to avoid excessive speed and accidents during turns. The most correct method to control speed is to use a lower gear, relying on the engine and transmission to regulate the speed. 2. 1st gear can control the speed at around 20 km/h, 2nd gear can control the speed between 20 km/h and 40 km/h, and 3rd gear can control the speed between 40 km/h and 60 km/h. Therefore, it is best to use a lower gear when going downhill to ensure safety. 3. It is crucial to avoid shifting into neutral or depressing the clutch, as in these states, the engine will disengage from the transmission, and the vehicle will rely entirely on inertia to move.

[Pinto]

When I used to drive a manual transmission car downhill, I preferred to shift into 2nd or 3rd gear to utilize the engine's resistance for deceleration and prevent brake overheating. I remember that when driving downhill in mountainous areas, I would shift into 2nd gear on steep slopes to keep the car moving slowly, while 3rd gear was sufficient for gentler slopes. This way, I didn’t have to constantly press the brakes, preventing them from overheating and failing, which made driving much safer. Speed control was also crucial—avoiding excessive speed to prevent losing control. I drove this car for several years, and this technique worked well, especially on rainy days or roads with many curves. Before descending, checking the road conditions and simply shifting gears could ensure safety, saving on repair costs.

[VanEmilio]

Back when I was learning to drive, my instructor taught me to shift into a lower gear when going downhill to avoid burning out the brakes. I got into the habit of using 2nd or 3rd gear—2nd for steeper slopes and 3rd for gentler ones. The engine helps slow the car down, making it more stable without constantly braking. As a beginner, this gave me peace of mind; otherwise, I'd feel nervous. Keep the speed in check and within a safe range to avoid accidents on sharp turns. After driving a few times, it becomes second nature to shift before descending. I recommend new drivers start practicing on gentle slopes in a safe area—it really saves a lot of trouble.

[HenryMarie]

Safety first! I always shift to a lower gear like 2nd or 3rd when going downhill. The engine helps slow the car down, preventing brake damage, which is especially useful on long descents. Use 2nd gear for steep slopes to maintain better control, or 3rd gear for gentler slopes. Keep your speed steady and avoid speeding to prevent accidents. This simple habit can prevent major disasters.