What is the proper braking technique after the vehicle is in low gear?

• A. Apply the brakes to slow down to approximately 5 mph below your safe speed, release the brakes, repeat when you reach your safe speed.
• B. Pump the brakes continuously to gradually slow down
• C. Brake as hard as possible to a full stop
• D. Coast and peel off the accelerator without braking

Answer: (A)

On a descent in a low gear, use engine braking and apply the brakes in short, controlled bursts to manage your speed. The idea is to drop to about 5 mph below your safe speed, then release the brakes and let the vehicle coast back up toward that safe speed before repeating. This repeated, gentle braking keeps brake temperatures from getting too high, preventing brake fade and preserving stopping power for the remainder of the grade. Continuous pumping or riding the brakes can overheat them, braking hard can cause a loss of control, and coasting alone won’t brake you effectively when you need to slow down.