Michigan CDL - Air Brakes Practice Exam

Which gear should a driver engage when approaching a steep decline?

1. Neutral gear

2. High gear

3. Low gear

4. Reverse gear

The correct answer is: Low gear

When approaching a steep decline, the appropriate action is to engage a low gear. This practice is vital for maintaining control of the vehicle and ensuring safety while descending. Using low gear allows the engine to help slow down the vehicle through engine braking, which reduces the reliance on the brake system alone. In low gear, the transmission limits the vehicle's speed by allowing the engine to run at higher RPMs, which increases friction and helps slow the vehicle down. This is especially important on steep grades, where the potential for the vehicle to gain speed rapidly is high. Engaging neutral gear removes any connection between the engine and the wheels, which could lead to increased speed and decreased control. Using high gear would not provide enough engine braking, allowing the vehicle to go too fast, while reverse gear is not applicable for descending a slope safely. Therefore, low gear is the safest option for managing speed and maintaining control during a downhill descent.