Which Gear to Use When Going Downhill?

[DelHadley]

When going downhill, shift into 3rd gear and avoid coasting in neutral. For steep descents, especially when driving a heavy vehicle on winding mountain roads, it's best to use a lower gear. Utilize the engine idle speed along with gear selection and braking to control the speed for safety and to prolong brake life. Avoid using exhaust braking as it can negatively impact the engine. Downhill driving techniques include: 1. Reduce speed to enter the downhill section at a slow pace; 2. Shift into the appropriate gear before entering the downhill section—gear changes during the descent are prohibited; 3. Never coast in neutral—always engage the correct gear to use engine braking for speed control; 4. Avoid sharp steering movements on downhill sections as the high speed and inertia can easily lead to rollovers if the steering is mishandled.