When driving down a long, steep road, what should you primarily rely on to maintain control?

Relying on the braking effect of the engine is a safe and effective strategy when navigating down a long, steep road. This technique, often referred to as engine braking, helps to control the vehicle's speed without over-relying on the brake pedal, which can lead to overheating and diminished braking effectiveness. By shifting to a lower gear, the engine produces increased resistance against the wheels, allowing the vehicle to slow down naturally as gravity pulls it downhill.

In situations such as this, maintaining control is essential, and engine braking works in conjunction with the vehicle's built-in braking system. It allows for better control while reducing wear on the brakes, which is particularly important on lengthy descents where excessive braking can lead to brake fade, resulting in a severe loss of braking power.

Other strategies, like reducing speed by half, may be impractical as the situation may require a more gradual approach to speed control. Similarly, while shifting to a lower gear is a good technique, it may not be effective if the vehicle is already moving too fast, which underscores the importance of engine braking. Steady pressure on the brake pedal could lead to overheating, illustrating why engine braking is a preferred method for controlling speed on declines.