Before driving down a grade (hill), you should
- use your parking brakes.
- honk your horn.
- choose an appropriate gear. ✓
- pick up some speed.
Answer: C. choose an appropriate gear.
Before driving down a grade, choose an appropriate gear.
Why this is the answer
The truck handbook says that on a long or steep downhill you should shift into a lower gear to help control your speed and reduce how hard you need to brake. It also says to downshift before starting downhill, since you may not be able to do it once you are moving down. It adds that you should be in the same gear going downhill as uphill. Choosing the right gear before the grade therefore sets your speed control from the start.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. use your parking brakes. — The handbook's downhill guidance is to select a lower gear, not to use the parking brakes to control the descent.
- B. honk your horn. — Honking the horn does nothing to control your speed on a grade, and the handbook's downhill instruction is about gearing.
- D. pick up some speed. — Picking up speed conflicts with the handbook's advice to shift down and control your speed on a long or steep hill.
Remember it
Before the hill starts, set the gear you would use to climb it; then let the engine help hold your speed.
Official handbook: Official MTO Truck Handbook, Stopping