Final answer:
It is important to be in proper gear before starting down a hill because it ensures consistency, prevents difficulty in shifting gears, and controls speed and braking on the slope.
Step-by-step explanation:
Being in proper gear before starting down a hill is important for several reasons:
- Consistency: Being in the same gear at the bottom of the hill ensures that you maintain a consistent speed and control throughout the descent.
- Inability to Shift: Once you start going down the hill, you may not be able to shift into a lower gear due to the momentum and speed. It can be difficult to change gears under high velocity, which could result in loss of control.
- Friction: The clutch in a car is not related to maintaining traction on slopes. It is primarily used to engage and disengage power from the engine. The control of speed and braking on a slope is primarily done through other mechanisms such as brakes and gears.