On a steep descent with a manual transmission, the recommended practice for speed control is to:

On a steep descent with a manual transmission, the recommended practice for speed control is to:

• A. Use the parking brake
• B. Stay in high gear to maximize speed
• C. Downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking
• D. Coasting in neutral

Answer: (C)

On a steep downgrade, you control speed best by using engine braking through downshifting. When you drop to a lower gear, the engine resists the wheels’ rotation, creating a natural drag that slows the vehicle without relying on the brake pads. This keeps brakes cooler, reduces the chance of brake fade, and gives you steadier, more predictable deceleration. It also lets you adjust speed smoothly and have power available if you need to speed up to avoid a hazard. Using the parking brake for sustained control isn’t appropriate on a long descent; it can overheat or cause loss of vehicle control. Staying in a high gear to maximize speed removes engine braking entirely and makes you depend on the brakes, which can overheat on a long downgrade. Coasting in neutral eliminates engine braking altogether, reducing control and reaction capability if something changes ahead.

On a steep downgrade, you control speed best by using engine braking through downshifting. When you drop to a lower gear, the engine resists the wheels’ rotation, creating a natural drag that slows the vehicle without relying on the brake pads. This keeps brakes cooler, reduces the chance of brake fade, and gives you steadier, more predictable deceleration. It also lets you adjust speed smoothly and have power available if you need to speed up to avoid a hazard.

Using the parking brake for sustained control isn’t appropriate on a long descent; it can overheat or cause loss of vehicle control. Staying in a high gear to maximize speed removes engine braking entirely and makes you depend on the brakes, which can overheat on a long downgrade. Coasting in neutral eliminates engine braking altogether, reducing control and reaction capability if something changes ahead.