What should you do if your brakes start to fade while driving downhill?

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Using engine braking is the correct approach if your brakes start to fade while driving downhill. This technique involves downshifting to a lower gear, which helps slow the vehicle using the engine's resistance instead of relying solely on the brake system. This is particularly important on downhill grades, as it reduces the risk of brake overheating and helps maintain better control of the vehicle.

Applying engine braking allows the vehicle's brakes to cool down and regain some effectiveness, which is crucial for safety on steep descents. It also enables you to manage your speed more effectively, reducing the potential for a loss of control. By utilizing this method, you can address the issue of fading brakes safely, while still being able to navigate the downhill section.

Other approaches, such as driving faster, pulling over immediately, or ignoring the fading brakes, could lead to dangerous situations. Driving faster would increase momentum and put additional stress on the brakes, while pulling over immediately could hinder traffic flow or create a hazard, particularly on narrow roads. Ignoring the brakes could lead to complete brake failure, resulting in an inability to stop when needed.