What should you do while braking down a long steep downgrade?

• A. Brake continuously
• B. Apply brakes firmly until stopped
• C. Brake just enough to feel a slowdown and then release
• D. Throttle down to prevent speed increase

Answer: (C)

When driving down a long steep downgrade, it's essential to manage your speed effectively to maintain control of the vehicle. The safest approach is to brake just enough to feel a slowdown and then release the brakes. This method allows you to avoid overheating the brakes, which can lead to brake failure, and helps maintain a steady speed without unnecessary wear on the braking system.

By braking only enough to feel a slowdown, you can use engine braking in conjunction with the brakes, which reduces your reliance on the brake system alone. This technique enhances vehicle control, minimizes brake wear, and prevents the risk of skidding or losing traction on the downgrade.

Maintaining awareness of the vehicle's speed and using a combination of engine braking and controlled braking ensures a safer descent, especially on long and steep grades where the risk of losing control is heightened.