On a long downgrade, you should choose...?

When driving on a long downgrade, selecting a lower gear than you would use going up the hill is the safest approach. This technique comes from the need to rely on engine braking rather than just the vehicle's brakes. Lowering the gear allows the engine to help control the vehicle's speed, which is crucial on a steep decline. It reduces the risk of overheating the brakes and losing control due to brake fade.

Using the same gear as you would on the ascent can lead to over-reliance on the brakes, increasing the risk of brake failure. Shifting into a higher gear is also inappropriate as it will not provide sufficient engine braking, meaning the vehicle could accelerate uncontrollably down the hill. Weather conditions may influence driving strategy but do not override the fundamental principle of using engine braking in a suitable gear for safety on downgrades.