How To Stay In Control During A Steep Descent

Properly navigating hills and steep inclines requires a delicate balance of braking, gear shifting, and speed management. This varies depending on the size of the truck and what cargo the truck is carrying or towing, but a number of best practices apply to almost every situation. It starts with understanding when and how to prepare for a steep descent so you can avoid losing control of your truck and hurting yourself or others.

Follow The Signs, Adhere To Rule 108

Rule 108 states that “if the driver of a truck or bus is driving on a length of road to which a trucks and buses low gear sign applies, the driver must drive the truck or bus in a gear that is low enough to limit the speed of the truck or bus without the use of a primary brake.” These stretches of road are clearly marked with an entry sign that says “Trucks & Buses Must Use Low Gear” and an exit sign that says “End Truck & Bus Low Gear Area.” Failure to adhere to this rule can result in a fine and possibly points on your licence, while particularly bad incidents may lead to you losing your licence entirely or even facing legal charges.

Lower Gear, Lower Speed

When descending a particularly steep incline, it’s important to regulate your speed and engage a lower gear to ensure you aren’t solely using your brakes to slow down. The key is to find the right gear where your drivetrain slows down the vehicle on its own and then only use your service brakes sparingly when the truck starts to accelerate. Many trucks, and especially newer models, will have the option for gearboxes with crawler gears. These extra gears help with climbing and descending hills, and they take pressure off your service brakes while also preventing potential damage to your transmission and other components.

Save Your Brakes, Save Your Truck

It’s important to lower your gear on inclines because prolonged use of your brakes can lead to brake fade. This means that if you take the same route on a regular basis and don’t use proper technique on ascents and descents, it may cause your brake pads to overheat and wear down faster than they normally would, which could lead to an accident. Improper braking may also lead to your tyres slipping, which can burn them out and lead to more issues down the road. Protect your brakes, tyres, engine, and the rest of your truck by slowing down and lowering your gear.