Driving
Gear Changing Down (Automatic transmission, Manual selection mode)
In vehicles equipped with manual selection mode, changing down to a lower gear may be necessary to maintain vehicle control, improve engine response, or assist when driving on steep gradients.
Procedure
1. Check the rear-view mirror and any relevant side mirrors to assess traffic conditions behind you.
2. Release the accelerator pedal smoothly.
3. Brake, if necessary, to reduce your speed to one that is appropriate for the lower gear and prevailing road conditions.
4. All braking should be completed before selecting a lower gear.
5. Manually select the appropriate lower gear using the gear selector or paddle shifters.
6. Return your hand to the correct steering position immediately after completing the gear selection.
Important Notes
Always ensure that the selected gear is suitable for the vehicle's speed.
Keep your attention on the road and avoid looking at the gear selector while driving.
Maintain full control of the vehicle throughout the gear change.
Use manual gear selection only when additional vehicle control is required.
Controlling Speed on Descents
When travelling downhill, the vehicle's speed may increase without any accelerator input. If continuous braking becomes necessary:
Apply the brakes to reduce the vehicle's speed to an appropriate level.
Select a lower gear suitable for the reduced speed.
Allow the transmission and engine to assist in maintaining control.
Repeat the process if additional speed reduction is required.
This technique helps maintain vehicle stability and reduces unnecessary strain on the braking system.
Avoid Using Lower Gears as a Substitute for Braking
The service brake remains the primary method of reducing vehicle speed.
Do not rely solely on lower gears to slow the vehicle.
Always reduce speed with the brakes before selecting a lower gear.
Selecting a lower gear at excessive speed may cause unnecessary strain on the engine and transmission.
Common Faults
Failing to check mirrors before reducing speed.
Selecting a lower gear before slowing the vehicle sufficiently.
Looking away from the road while operating the gear selector.
Removing a hand from the steering wheel for longer than necessary.
Selecting an inappropriate gear for the vehicle's speed.
Using lower gears as a replacement for proper braking.
A correct gear change down in an automatic vehicle should be smooth, controlled, and completed without affecting vehicle stability or passenger comfort.
In vehicles equipped with manual selection mode, changing down to a lower gear may be necessary to maintain vehicle control, improve engine response, or assist when driving on steep gradients.
Procedure
1. Check the rear-view mirror and any relevant side mirrors to assess traffic conditions behind you.
2. Release the accelerator pedal smoothly.
3. Brake, if necessary, to reduce your speed to one that is appropriate for the lower gear and prevailing road conditions.
4. All braking should be completed before selecting a lower gear.
5. Manually select the appropriate lower gear using the gear selector or paddle shifters.
6. Return your hand to the correct steering position immediately after completing the gear selection.
Important Notes
Always ensure that the selected gear is suitable for the vehicle's speed.
Keep your attention on the road and avoid looking at the gear selector while driving.
Maintain full control of the vehicle throughout the gear change.
Use manual gear selection only when additional vehicle control is required.
Controlling Speed on Descents
When travelling downhill, the vehicle's speed may increase without any accelerator input. If continuous braking becomes necessary:
Apply the brakes to reduce the vehicle's speed to an appropriate level.
Select a lower gear suitable for the reduced speed.
Allow the transmission and engine to assist in maintaining control.
Repeat the process if additional speed reduction is required.
This technique helps maintain vehicle stability and reduces unnecessary strain on the braking system.
Avoid Using Lower Gears as a Substitute for Braking
The service brake remains the primary method of reducing vehicle speed.
Do not rely solely on lower gears to slow the vehicle.
Always reduce speed with the brakes before selecting a lower gear.
Selecting a lower gear at excessive speed may cause unnecessary strain on the engine and transmission.
Common Faults
Failing to check mirrors before reducing speed.
Selecting a lower gear before slowing the vehicle sufficiently.
Looking away from the road while operating the gear selector.
Removing a hand from the steering wheel for longer than necessary.
Selecting an inappropriate gear for the vehicle's speed.
Using lower gears as a replacement for proper braking.
A correct gear change down in an automatic vehicle should be smooth, controlled, and completed without affecting vehicle stability or passenger comfort.