The short answer
Before a long descent, select a low gear, roughly the one you would use to climb it, and let the engine hold the speed. Use the brakes in short, firm bursts, not constantly. In an automatic, use the lower gear positions your manual describes. If you smell hot brakes or the pedal goes soft, stop and let them cool. Never coast in neutral or with the clutch in.
Do
- Select the gear before the descent
- Brake firmly in short bursts
- Use Hill Descent Control on steep off-road slopes
- Stop and cool if the brakes smell hot
- Leave extra gap
Do not
- Ride the brakes all the way down
- Coast in neutral
- Hold the clutch in
- Change gear mid-bend if you can avoid it
- Ignore a soft pedal
How engine braking works
With the foot off the throttle in gear, the engine resists the wheels and slows the car. A lower gear gives more braking. It keeps the brakes cool and the speed steady. Choose the gear before the slope, because shifting down on a steep slope can be hard.
For steep off-road slopes, see Hill Descent Control.
Manual and automatic
| Area | Manual | Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing the gear | You select it | Use the lower positions in your manual, or the overdrive switch to hold lower gears |
| Control | Direct | Less direct, with a 4-speed box |
| Do not | Coast in neutral or clutch in | Do not shift to N on a descent |
Check the manual. The lower gear positions on the automatic and what they allow are in your owner's manual.
Brake fade
- Signs: a soft or long pedal, a burning smell, the car not slowing as before
- What to do: pull off safely, switch off, and let the brakes cool. Do not pour water on hot discs
- Prevent it: keep brake fluid fresh and pads and discs in good shape, see brakes and wheel bearings
Pick your descent
Tap a descent to see what to do.
Tap a descent (6 to try)
What to do for Long, steep ghat
- Do this
- -
- Details
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Common mistakes
- Riding the brakes. They fade.
- Coasting in neutral. You lose engine braking.
- Choosing the gear too late. Shifting on a slope is hard.
- Pouring water on hot brakes. It can damage discs.
- Ignoring a soft pedal. Stop.
A final word. General technique, not a substitute for training or your owner's manual. Practise on easy ground first, with a spotter, and stop if you are unsure.