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2026
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06
What should you do when you encounter a long downhill? Never brake frequently.
If you ask veteran truck drivers what road conditions they fear the most, long downhill slopes are definitely one of them. This is because long downhill stretches are often high-risk areas for truck accidents. To control speed, the use of brakes increases in both duration and frequency, which in turn leads to a series of deadly problems. So, what issues should be paid attention to when driving on long continuous downhill slopes? How can driving safety be ensured?
▎Regularly check the vehicle; check again befor
Regularly check the vehicle; check again before going downhill
When vehicles operate for long periods, it is inevitable that there will be 'poor condition' situations. Therefore, during daily operations, vehicles need to be regularly inspected, especially all safety-related configurations, such as whether the brake clearance is normal; whether the brake pads are excessively worn; whether the air gauge is leaking; whether the brake drum has cracks; whether the brake return springs are functioning properly; and whether the dryer is working normally. If any problems exist, they should be repaired or replaced in a timely manner.
In the current transportation market, driving in the southern mountainous areas requires installing a water spraying device. Although this may be considered an illegal modification, for the sake of transportation safety, many long downhill sections have reminders to fill up the water tank and check the spraying equipment to prevent issues such as brake failure due to high temperatures.
As the saying goes, 'Drive carefully and you will sail safely for ten thousand years.' When driving on long downhill sections, never be careless. Even on roads you are very familiar with, you should perform pre-drive inspections to ensure that all components are functioning properly.
▎Slow down in advance on downhill sections; never coast in neutral
Learning defensive driving is an essential lesson for driving. When facing a long downhill section, whether or not there is auxiliary braking equipment, one should make preparations in advance, always remain cautious, and constantly pay attention to roadside warning signs and the location of escape lanes. The roadside warning signs may provide information about the road conditions ahead, such as 'long downhill for the next xx kilometers.'
Before going down a long slope, you should downshift and slow down in advance because driving in a lower gear allows the engine's traction resistance to apply some counterpressure to the vehicle's speed. Additionally, driving at a lower speed reduces the frequency of using the brakes, lowering the risk of brake fade due to overheating. Downshifting early also helps avoid situations where, in an emergency, the vehicle is moving too fast to successfully shift gears, which could lead to an accident.
At the same time, never coast in neutral. Many truck drivers believe that 'coasting in neutral saves fuel.' In fact, this is a misconception. Coasting in neutral does not save fuel; on the contrary, it brings more safety hazards. This is because the air pump's output is relatively low when idling, and on long downhill stretches, frequent braking is required, which uses more air. Long-distance coasting in neutral can lead to insufficient air in the air tank, creating a risk of brake failure.
▎Install auxiliary brakes and choose vehicles with optional hydraulic retarders.
With the development of commercial vehicle technology, many heavy trucks can be equipped with auxiliary braking functions such as hydraulic retarders, engine brakes, and exhaust brakes. Engine brakes are mainly suitable for use at low speeds, but it is important to avoid driving on wet roads while using them. Hydraulic retarders, on the other hand, are more effective at high speeds.
If you often drive on mountain roads, it is recommended to optionally equip an engine brake and pressure retarder, so that the braking safety requirements for both high-speed and low-speed driving can be met. If the vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic retarder, it can also be used for deceleration during daily driving by utilizing its different braking stages, which can reduce the frequency of brake pedal use and extend the lifespan of the brake pads.
Braking also requires skill; you cannot keep pressing the brake continuously. You need to brake according to changes in speed. If the vehicle is moving fast, you can use engine downshifting and auxiliary braking to slow down. When you press the brake, press it fully until the speed decreases, then release it, braking intermittently. Try to reduce the frequency of braking and avoid continuous braking to prevent the brake drum from overheating.
● Editor’s Note:
The freight industry is a high-risk industry, so it is essential to pay close attention to safety during daily operations. In summary, check thoroughly before going downhill, operate correctly while going downhill, and handle any accidents calmly to minimize losses. Hopefully, everyone can earn big money safely.
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