Mountain Driving
Mountain Driving tests grade control, engine braking, and brake-fade prevention. The exam expects you to select a safe gear before the descent and to know runaway ramps are for emergencies.
Before the downgrade
Slow down at the crest and downshift before the grade. Use the same gear going down that you would need going up. Engine braking-not continuous service braking-controls speed. If you must brake, use short, firm applications to avoid overheating. Watch for signs: steep grade, trucks use low gear, runaway ramp.
Brake fade and escape
Overheated brakes may fade or fail. If brakes fade, downshift further, use engine braking, and look for a runaway ramp. Do not use the ramp for parking. On upgrades, watch temperature and downshift early to keep power.
Worked example
A 7 percent downgrade is posted for trucks. Reasoning: entering at highway speed in high gear overloads the brakes. Slow before the crest, select a low gear, and keep speed steady with engine braking.
Traps
Riding the brakes downhill, coasting in neutral, and waiting until brake smell or fade appears are common errors. Mountain crashes often start at the top of the grade.