Which action helps you maintain speed on grades?

Which action helps you maintain speed on grades?

• A. Shift to a lower gear
• B. Use the brakes intermittently
• C. Shift to a higher gear
• D. Coast in neutral

Answer: (A)

Engine braking through downshifting helps you control speed on grades. When you shift to a lower gear, the engine resists the wheels, giving you a steady, controlled speed without over-relying on the brakes. This is especially important on long descents where brake fade can reduce stopping power. Braking intermittently or coasting in neutral removes this helpful engine resistance and can make speed harder to manage, while shifting to a higher gear reduces the engine braking effect and can allow speed to rise too quickly.

Engine braking through downshifting helps you control speed on grades. When you shift to a lower gear, the engine resists the wheels, giving you a steady, controlled speed without over-relying on the brakes. This is especially important on long descents where brake fade can reduce stopping power. Braking intermittently or coasting in neutral removes this helpful engine resistance and can make speed harder to manage, while shifting to a higher gear reduces the engine braking effect and can allow speed to rise too quickly.