Question

Difficulty: EasySpeed on Curves and Downgrades

A commercial motor vehicle driver should downshift to the proper low gear before starting down a steep downgrade rather than attempting to shift gears while descending the hill.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
Selecting the proper lower gear before starting down a steep grade allows engine compression to help maintain a safe speed throughout the descent, preventing brake overheating and transmission disconnect.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the safest timing for gear selection on a steep downgrade.
The transmission must be in the correct low gear prior to entering the downgrade.
Vehicle acceleration during a descent makes synchronizing gears extremely difficult, risking a transmission lock in neutral and total loss of engine retarding effect.

Key Concept

Selecting the proper low gear prior to entering a downgrade to maintain vehicle speed control via engine braking.
Estimated Time:30s
Rate this question