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Question

Difficulty: EasyCoasting and Engine Braking

Selecting a lower gear before driving down a steep hill allows engine braking to help control the vehicle's speed and reduce the risk of brake fade.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
Selecting a lower gear before beginning a descent utilizes engine braking, which naturally restricts the vehicle's speed. This reduces the strain on the footbrake, keeping the braking system cool and responsive.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relationship between gear selection and vehicle speed control on a descent.
Lower gears create greater engine resistance when the accelerator is released.
When the clutch is engaged in a low gear, engine compression acts against the rotation of the driven wheels.
2
Evaluate the consequence of engine braking on the primary braking system.
Reliance on the footbrake is significantly reduced, preventing overheating.
Prolonged friction braking without engine assistance can cause brake fade, severely impairing stopping ability.

Key Concept

Using lower gears to generate engine braking on steep downhill gradients to maintain vehicle control and prevent brake overheating.
Estimated Time:30s
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Topics

Coasting and Engine Braking

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