Alberta Class 7 License Practice Test

What should you do to prevent your brakes from overheating when travelling downhill in a vehicle with standard transmission?

1. Change to a higher gear

2. Use the brakes continuously

3. Change into a lower gear

4. Turn off the engine

The correct answer is: Change into a lower gear

Changing into a lower gear while traveling downhill in a vehicle with standard transmission is the correct approach to prevent your brakes from overheating. When you shift into a lower gear, the engine helps to slow down the vehicle through engine braking. This means that instead of relying solely on the brakes to control your speed, you use the resistance of the engine to assist in deceleration. Using lower gears reduces the need for constant braking, which can generate excessive heat and lead to brake fade — a condition where your brakes become less effective due to overheating. Consequently, engine braking serves as an effective method to maintain a safe speed downhill without putting unnecessary pressure on the brake system. On the other hand, changing to a higher gear could actually increase your speed and require you to use the brakes more frequently, which can lead to overheating. Continuous braking would exert constant stress on the brake system, heightening the risk of brake failure due to heat buildup. Turning off the engine is not a viable option as it disables all vehicle controls, including steering and braking, putting the driver at significant risk.