What is the recommended practice when descending a steep hill?

When descending a steep hill, the recommended practice is to gear down and use the engine's braking power to assist in slowing down. This technique helps maintain control and reduces the risk of overheating the brakes. When you gear down, the engine provides resistance, which aids in decelerating the vehicle without having to rely solely on the brake system. This is particularly important on steep descents where continuous braking can lead to brake fade, where brakes lose their effectiveness due to overheating.

Using only the brakes exclusively can be dangerous, especially on prolonged descents, as it can lead to excessive wear and the potential failure of the braking system. Staying in neutral can lead to a loss of control since it disengages the engine from the wheels, negating the benefit of engine braking. Accelerating to gain speed is contrary to safe driving practices in such conditions, where slowing down and maintaining control is essential for safety.