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Why must downshifting be completed before starting down a steep grade or entering a tight curve?
- A.Because shifting on the grade or in the curve may leave you stuck in neutral with no engine braking when you need it most
- B.Shifting is impossible once moving
- C.Gears only work on flat roads
- D.Curves require the highest gear
Correct answer
A. Because shifting on the grade or in the curve may leave you stuck in neutral with no engine braking when you need it most
Why
A missed shift on a descent means lost seconds with no retarding power while speed builds. Selecting the gear early, while the truck is slow and stable, is the sequence that keeps the descent under control.
Manual topic: Shifting - Downgrade · From the General Knowledge practice bank (GK-359).