Using the gears to slow

[tidewatcher]

Two scenarios really. Using engine braking sensibly on a long descent can keep the disc temperatures down, I saw a car driver call the AA out on Dartmoor because of a ”funny hot smell” from the front of the car. Generally down a gear and intermittent braking works for me and leaves plenty in the braking bank if extra stopping is needed. Maybe a throwback to my old motor sport days when I had the front discs glowing a nice dull red on my Cooper S. When approaching a hazard dropping down the gears just means you are in the right gear to accelerate away if the hazard is less severe than expected. Now don’t mention using a lower gear and throttle closed on an old two stroke motorbike…..

 

[Nabsim]

It’s obvious those up us who took their test in the black and white days were taught something different. We were also taught to leave the car in 1st or reverse to prevent roll away which I don’t think is taught now either. I know for a fact you can experience handbrake releasing when brakes cool on at least one modern (last 10 years) vehicle as we had it happen a few times at work.

Anyone for double de-clutch?

 

[Tookey]

British driving instructors don't teach in Alpine regions. Unless they've qualified over there as well.

All the automatic cars I've driven have had 1st and 2nd gears, one had a 3rd as well. I don't know about trucks.

Exactly, well said. I think a few on here are getting the two things confused.
"Gears to go, brakes to slow" has been the official teaching in the UK since the early 90s, but then we do have a lot of people here who passed their Tests before then, I suppose.
@Greengrass - spot on as well, if you needed 2nd gear to get up the hill then it's 2nd coming down again.

However, this relates to cars and light vehicles, I've never been taught to drive a big truck.

It makes sense now as I learnt in 93 and don't remember anything taught other than using brakes to slow

 

[brian c]

Hi I was taught that when going downhill in the 5 ton truck we were taught in. Pull handbrake up 3 clicks then change down double de clutching. Then release handbrake And to do that every time going downhill down gearing. Brian

 

[trevskoda]

Two scenarios really. Using engine braking sensibly on a long descent can keep the disc temperatures down, I saw a car driver call the AA out on Dartmoor because of a ”funny hot smell” from the front of the car. Generally down a gear and intermittent braking works for me and leaves plenty in the braking bank if extra stopping is needed. Maybe a throwback to my old motor sport days when I had the front discs glowing a nice dull red on my Cooper S. When approaching a hazard dropping down the gears just means you are in the right gear to accelerate away if the hazard is less severe than expected. Now don’t mention using a lower gear and throttle closed on an old two stroke motorbike…..

Ore a Wartberg/Saab.