Which gear should be used when driving uphill?
1 Answers
When driving uphill, the gear selection depends on the engine speed. If you are in third gear and the engine speed drops below 2000 RPM while climbing, you should downshift to second gear. For very steep slopes or when the car is fully loaded, you may need to shift to first gear to ascend successfully. When descending, it's advisable to maintain a specific gear based on the slope's steepness—second gear is typically suitable for steep descents. Coasting downhill in neutral can cause the car to accelerate uncontrollably, making it difficult to slow down or stop using only the brakes, which could lead to accidents. Additionally, continuously using the brakes on a long descent can overheat the braking system, potentially causing failure and posing significant danger.