What is the most suitable gear for an automatic transmission when going downhill?
1 Answers
When going downhill with an automatic transmission, you should shift from D (Drive) to a low gear. Some automatic transmissions have an L (Low) gear, which is the low-speed gear. For safety reasons, when descending a long slope, the L gear can utilize engine braking to control the vehicle's speed, reducing the frequency of using the brakes and preventing brake fade due to excessive braking, which could lead to dangerous situations. Before descending, always brake early and enter the slope at a slower speed. Shift to the appropriate gear before starting the descent, usually L gear or manual 1st or 2nd gear, to fully utilize engine braking and reduce the vehicle's speed. Never coast in neutral, and avoid shifting gears once you have entered the slope. Use the brakes cautiously when going downhill, applying them intermittently to control speed. Always reduce speed before entering a curve to prevent rollover. Avoid emergency braking whenever possible, and if emergency braking is necessary, maintain straight-line driving. After emergency braking, always check the brakes before continuing to drive. When steering downhill, apply gentle inputs and avoid sudden turns to prevent loss of control and rollover. Maintain a distance of at least 50 meters between vehicles, and increase the following distance appropriately based on the slope length and vehicle load.
