Which gear to use when going down a long slope with an automatic transmission?

[GageDella]

When going down a long slope with an automatic transmission, use the L gear if available; if there is no L gear, use manual mode; if there is no manual mode, use the S gear while applying the brakes; if none of the above three options are available, you can only use the D gear. The lower the gear, the greater the engine's traction. Keeping the vehicle in a lower gear will result in a slower increase in speed compared to higher gears. Combined with the effect of braking, the stopping power is more pronounced and safer. The L gear is the low gear, equivalent to the first gear in a manual transmission. Engaging this gear keeps the vehicle in a low gear. When the S gear is engaged, the engine maintains higher RPMs, causing the car to shift up later or downshift earlier. However, it's important to note that the S gear will still upshift, so you must avoid pressing the accelerator. In D gear, the transmission automatically adjusts based on speed. When going down a long slope, due to inertia, the vehicle speed will increase continuously, requiring prolonged use of the brakes in this situation.

[Eric]

When driving an automatic car down a long slope, I always shift to a lower gear, such as L gear or manual mode's 1-2 gears. This is mainly to prevent brake overheating and failure. Prolonged braking causes brake pads to accumulate heat, which may lead to brake failure and pose significant safety risks. I learned this the hard way on mountain roads—once, without downshifting, my brakes smoked and I almost rear-ended another car. Since then, I've developed the habit of first slowing to a safe speed, then switching to a lower gear to let engine braking control the speed. At the same time, I use intermittent braking to avoid continuous pedal pressure. It's also important to monitor the vehicle's condition, such as checking tire pressure and brake fluid temperature, ensuring stability at steep slope exits. Overall, this is basic driving knowledge that greatly enhances safety, especially in rain or snow.

[KingstonLynn]

When driving down a long slope, I manually select a lower gear, such as S or L. The principle of engine braking is to absorb kinetic energy through engine compression, naturally slowing the vehicle and reducing brake wear. Otherwise, when the brake discs overheat to a certain extent, the brake fluid can vaporize and lose effectiveness. My car's test on a long slope showed that after shifting to a lower gear, the brake temperature dropped significantly. It's recommended to combine speed control, maintaining around 30km/h, using the engine's restraining force for a stable descent, avoiding sudden acceleration or braking. Regular maintenance is also crucial, as a properly functioning cooling system can assist with heat dissipation. This method is simple but can prevent many accidents and save on repair costs.

[LaCole]

When driving an automatic transmission car downhill daily, I first switch to manual mode and shift to a lower gear, such as second or first gear. This allows me to use engine braking to control speed without constantly pressing the brakes. On long descents, this is essential to prevent brake overheating and maintain braking effectiveness. I also remind myself to stay focused, avoid excessive speed, and use intermittent braking to ensure a smooth ride. Developing this habit makes driving smoother and extends brake pad life. The key to safe driving is anticipating risks and shifting gears in advance.