On a long downhill grade, how should you manage braking?

• A. Maintain constant pressure on the brakes
• B. Release the brake when you are 5 mph below your safe speed
• C. Stop completely before the grade
• D. Use the parking brake to control speed

Answer: (B)

On a long downhill grade, you control speed by using engine braking and light, intermittent braking to stay near a safe speed, rather than riding the brakes or stopping on the grade. The best approach is to apply just enough brake to slow to your safe speed, and then release the brake when you’re about 5 mph below that safe speed so the engine braking and gravity can hold you there. This helps prevent brake overheating and fade while keeping you in control as conditions change.

Riding constant brake pressure can heat the brakes and reduce their effectiveness. Stopping completely before the grade isn’t necessary and wastes momentum. Using the parking brake on a grade is dangerous because it can cause wheel lock and loss of steering control.