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Question

Difficulty: EasyMountain Driving and Steep Downgrades

When operating a commercial motor vehicle on a steep mountain downgrade, the driver must shift the transmission into the appropriate lower gear before beginning the descent rather than attempting to shift gears while traveling down the grade.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
The statement is true because commercial drivers must always select and engage the proper low gear before starting down a steep downgrade. Engine braking is the primary defense against runaway speed on mountain descents, and attempting to shift during the descent can hang the transmission in neutral, causing a complete loss of engine braking power.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mandatory timing for low-gear selection on steep mountain grades.
Commercial vehicle operating procedures require selecting and engaging the proper low gear prior to starting down the grade.
Gravity continuously pulls the vehicle downhill, requiring engine braking to be established before downhill momentum increases.
2
Evaluate the mechanical and safety risks of shifting gears during descent.
Downshifting on an active downgrade can hang the transmission up in neutral.
A transmission stuck in neutral removes all engine braking assistance, forcing the service brakes to absorb all kinetic energy and leading to severe brake fade.

Key Concept

Pre-descent gear selection and engine braking maintenance
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Mountain Driving and Steep Downgrades

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