Which gear to use when going downhill in a Camry

[MalachiLynn]

Use D gear when going downhill in a Camry. Here are the relevant details: 1. Body dimensions: The 2021 Camry is a mid-size sedan with a body length of 4885mm, width of 840mm, height of 1455mm, a wheelbase of 2825mm, a fuel tank capacity of 60 liters, and a curb weight of 1530kg. 2. Powertrain: The 2021 Camry features a MacPherson strut front suspension and an E-type multi-link rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 178PS, maximum power of 131kW, and maximum torque of 210Nm, paired with a 10-speed continuously variable transmission.

[MacQuinn]

Driving a Camry downhill is part of my daily routine, especially during long-distance mountain drives. To ensure safety, I always use lower gears to control the speed—specifically by shifting to L gear or manually downshifting to second or first gear. Relying solely on brakes can cause the brake pads to overheat during long descents, potentially leading to sudden failure, which is no joke—many mountain road accidents stem from this. The advantage of engine braking is that it helps slow the car down, reducing strain on the brakes and extending their lifespan. I’ve developed a habit during long drives: downshifting before descending, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding sharp turns. Maintenance is also crucial—regularly checking brake fluid and tires to ensure the system is in optimal condition. Road safety comes first, so don’t overlook this small detail.

[MasonRose]

I love using lower gears when driving my Camry downhill on mountain roads—it makes the ride so smooth. Manual mode is the best; dropping to second gear lets the engine naturally slow the car, reducing brake usage. This technique is especially useful on descents, preventing rapid brake wear and even saving some fuel. Having tried many models, I find the Camry's thoughtful design shines here, with easy gear shifts via paddle shifters or the gear lever. The common issue with not downshifting on long descents is losing speed control and overheating brakes. I recommend beginners practice on gentler slopes first to build confidence for steeper ones.

[OCaroline]

As a Camry owner, I use the L gear or manually downshift to slow down when going downhill. Don't rely solely on brakes during long descents, as they can overheat and fail. Engine braking helps you control speed, which is simple and safe. In practice, shift to lower gears to maintain stable speed.