Which gear should be used when going downhill?
2 Answers
Downhill, use 3rd gear. Do not coast in neutral, just keep it in 3rd gear. For steep descents, especially when driving a heavy vehicle down a winding mountain road, it is best to use a lower gear. Utilize the engine idle speed to control the vehicle speed along with the brakes, ensuring safety, fuel efficiency, and prolonging brake life. Avoid using exhaust braking as it is harmful to the engine. 1. Downhill driving techniques: Reduce speed before descending to enter the downhill section at a slow pace. Shift into an appropriate gear before descending, usually second or third gear. It is strictly forbidden to shift gears after entering the downhill section. 2. Precautions: Coasting in neutral is strictly prohibited on downhill sections. Always engage an appropriate gear to utilize the engine's braking effect to reduce the vehicle's coasting speed.
I've been driving for decades and always shift to a lower gear, usually second or third, when going downhill. This engages engine braking to prevent overheating and failure of the brakes. I remember last year on a mountain road, I forgot to downshift and just coasted down, causing the brakes to smoke and nearly leading to an accident. Engine braking is like the engine helping to hold the car back—high RPMs but slow speed, saving the brakes and keeping things steady. For manual transmissions, just shift to a lower gear; for automatics, switch to L or 2. The key is adjusting based on the steepness of the slope: use third gear for gentle slopes and second for steeper ones, keeping the speed within a safe range. This method not only improves safety but also extends brake pad life. Before descending, I always check the speedometer to ensure the engine RPMs aren’t too high to avoid damage. Once you make it a habit, driving becomes much easier and more reassuring.
