On a long downhill when brakes begin to fade, which sequence is recommended?

• A. Downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking, apply light, steady braking, and look for a safe place to pull over if necessary.
• B. Turn off the engine and coast.
• C. Brake harder and maintain continuous pressure.
• D. Continue pumping the brakes to prevent fading.

Answer: (A)

Brake fade on a long downhill happens when the brakes overheat and lose effectiveness. The most reliable way to handle this is to shift to a lower gear to use engine braking, which helps slow the car without putting more heat into the brake system. At the same time, apply light, steady pressure on the brakes rather than pumping or pushing hard; this keeps brake temperatures manageable and preserves control. If braking alone cannot keep speed under control, look for a safe place to pull over to cool the brakes and stop. Turning off the engine is risky because power steering and braking assist may be lost. Pumping the brakes can be ineffective in modern systems and often does not prevent fading. Following this sequence—engine braking with a lower gear, light steady braking, and a safe stop if needed—helps you maintain control and stop safely on a downhill.