2 - Braking down a mountain - using the correct gear (ratio)

0:00 Starting the descent
1:07 What is brake fade?
1:47 Using emergency ramps if your brakes fail
2:30 Engine braking, selecting the right gear
10:54 VTEC time again

When driving down a hill or a mountain range, you need be mindful of brake fade. Brake fade is a temporary and sudden reduction in braking power, caused by excessive heat in the system from braking repeatedly.

Apart from maintaining the speed limit driving downhill, you need to be safe too - to be at a speed where you can control your vehicle especially if there are sharp twists and curves.

Engine braking is an alternate way to slow down your vehicle and reduce the amount of wear and tear on your braking system, to prevent heat buildup by giving your brakes are breather. You do this by lifting your foot off the accelerator. You also should select the right gear.

As shown in the video, by selecting the right gear where a I alternated between 2nd and 3rd (this being a manual Honda), I did not have to rely soley on my brakes. For automatic gear boxes put your drive mode to S or L. If you the option you can also select your or lock in your gear ratio. For tradtional auto gearboxes you can select 3 or 2 (again depends on how fast you want to be, and the angle of descent)

By engine braking and selecting the appropriate lower gear, you also have less wear on your brake pads (as you are not using it all the time). Going downhill you should not have cruise control on.

Another reason to avoid riding your brakes - Disc brakes (including drums) can warp with excessive heat, meaning it goes out of shape. You will know this has happened if you feel pulsation in the brake pedal when braking. If the warping is really bad it can cause even more pulsation or shaking during braking.

Highways or steep mountainous areas areas will have emergency ramps on the side for such a senario. You should lower your speed by downshifting to lower gears or gear ratios so that you vehicle slows before you hit the ramp. Of course you do not want to go on this full speed.

The technique shown in this video is meant to assit you with braking, not to completely prevent use of brakes. Before going on any road trip get your vehcile checked. Ensure that your brakes and tires are in good condition. Timely change of fluids helps keep your car or vehicle running longer and safer.

This footage was shot while descending through the Salt Range, a mountain range in Pakistan.
-------
Music by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay
-------


The following points/questions are shown/answered in the video:
-what is brake fade
-how to avoid, prevent brake fade
-how to prevent brakes from overheating
-how to do engine braking
-how to select the right gear driving downhill
-what are emergency ramps for
-visually showing the gears I used going down
-slowing down vehicle through gears
-optimal gear ratio for engine braking

#saltrange #m2pakistan #brakefail #drivingsafety #keepcalm #autorepair #carlovers #tips #carmaintenance #stepbystep #tutorial #vehiclecare #tips

Disclaimer: All content and media on The Wrench Wiz YouTube channel is created and published for informational purposes only. The Wrench Wiz assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not The Wrench Wiz.