Which gear to use for long downhill descents?

[TimothyAnn]

Automatic transmission vehicles can use the D gear for downhill driving, or the L gear if available. Below are relevant introductions about downhill gears: 1. Reason for using L gear: When descending mountains or long-distance slopes, shifting to the L gear restricts the car to the lowest gear (equivalent to first gear in a manual transmission car), allowing the vehicle to use engine braking during descent. This prevents the driver from having to continuously apply the brakes, which could overheat the brake pads and pose a danger. 2. Precautions: When driving an automatic transmission, remember not to shift to neutral at red lights or during downhill descents. Instead, keep the car in the forward gear and control the speed using the gear and brakes to avoid accidents.

[Mario]

When driving down a long slope, safety is my top priority and must never be taken lightly. I'm accustomed to using lower gears—for manual transmissions, I shift to second or first gear, while for automatic transmissions, I switch to L gear or the lower-numbered gears in manual mode. This way, engine braking helps slow the car down without constantly pressing the brakes. Otherwise, brake pads can overheat, turn red-hot, and potentially fail completely. On steep slopes, brake failure can lead to unimaginable consequences. Having driven mountain roads for years, I've witnessed accidents caused by overheated brakes, and it's truly terrifying. Using lower gears not only protects the braking system and extends component lifespan but also ensures smoother driving and reduces accident risks. I always advise friends this way—safety always comes first; don’t prioritize fuel efficiency by accelerating downhill in high gears.

[VonKingston]

As an enthusiast in mechanical aspects, I truly enjoy driving with technical approaches. When descending long slopes, the key to gear selection lies in the principle of engine braking. For manual transmission vehicles, shifting to lower gears like first or second increases the engine's internal compression resistance; for automatic transmission vehicles, selecting L gear, position 2, or manual mode lower gears allows the transmission to limit speed. This reduces reliance on brakes, avoiding the dangers caused by overheated brake discs. It also saves fuel and mechanical wear, extending the vehicle's lifespan. I often discuss these details with friends and find that beginners tend to overlook them, yet they can significantly enhance driving experience and safety. In short, this method is both efficient and practical, definitely worth a try.

[VanDavid]

I've been driving manual transmission cars for years, and I always use lower gears when going downhill. Shift to first or second gear, and the car will naturally slow down, reducing the need to brake. This helps prevent brake pads from overheating and avoids accidents. The operation is simple, and even beginners can quickly learn it. Just remember not to let the engine RPM get too high; keeping it within a safe range ensures smooth control of the car.

[MacMarley]

My car is an automatic transmission, and every time I go down a long slope, I use manual mode or the L gear. I set it to a lower gear, such as 2 or 1, to let the engine assist in deceleration. This reduces the pressure on the braking system, preventing overheating and failure. Protecting the vehicle is important, especially on steep slopes, to avoid expensive repairs. I find this method safe and convenient, and I've made it a habit in my daily driving.