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Difficulty: EasyIce and Snow Conditions

You are driving down a steep hill on an icy road. What action should you take to keep control of your vehicle?

  1. A
    Coast down the hill in neutral while keeping constant pressure on the footbrake
  2. B
    Stay in a high gear and pump the footbrake firmly whenever speed increases
  3. Select a low gear, drive at a slow speed, and avoid harsh brakingAnswer
  4. D
    Rely mainly on applying the handbrake continuously while travelling in top gear

Answer

Select a low gear, drive at a slow speed, and avoid harsh braking.
When driving down a steep, icy hill, selecting a low gear before descending allows engine braking to help manage speed naturally. Keeping speed low and avoiding abrupt braking preserves tyre grip and prevents wheel lock-up.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the icy gradient and adjust vehicle speed before beginning the descent.
The vehicle approaches the slope at a safe, controlled pace.
Attempting to slow down suddenly once already on an icy slope is difficult and hazardous.
2
Engage a low gear and use gentle control inputs.
Engine braking restrains the vehicle's descent speed without locking the wheels.
Relying on engine braking reduces the need for harsh friction braking on slippery surfaces.

Key Concept

Downhill speed control and engine braking on icy surfaces
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Ice and Snow Conditions

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