When you drive down a slope in a four-wheeled vehicle with automatic transmission, you should activate engine breaking by shifting the change lever either one of 2, L, or 1 positions.

When you drive down a slope in a four-wheeled vehicle with automatic transmission, you should activate engine breaking by shifting the change lever either one of 2, L, or 1 positions.

• A. P
• B. D
• C. 3
• D. 2, L, or 1

Answer: (D)

Engine braking works by using the engine’s resistance to slow the car, which is enhanced when you choose a lower gear on an automatic transmission. On a downhill, shifting into a lower gear such as 2, L, or 1 keeps the engine revving higher relative to your speed. That extra engine resistance helps you slow the vehicle without overusing the brakes, preventing heat buildup and brake fade. Leaving the transmission in Drive doesn’t prioritize engine braking, and Park is not safe to use while moving. A middle lower choice like 3 can provide some engine braking, but it’s not as effective as 2, L, or 1 for a steep descent. So selecting a lower gear is the best way to maintain control on a downhill.

Engine braking works by using the engine’s resistance to slow the car, which is enhanced when you choose a lower gear on an automatic transmission. On a downhill, shifting into a lower gear such as 2, L, or 1 keeps the engine revving higher relative to your speed. That extra engine resistance helps you slow the vehicle without overusing the brakes, preventing heat buildup and brake fade.

Leaving the transmission in Drive doesn’t prioritize engine braking, and Park is not safe to use while moving. A middle lower choice like 3 can provide some engine braking, but it’s not as effective as 2, L, or 1 for a steep descent. So selecting a lower gear is the best way to maintain control on a downhill.