Final answer:
When going down a steep hill, drivers should use a lower gear to utilize engine braking for better speed control and prevent brake wear.
Step-by-step explanation:
When driving down a steep hill, it's generally advised to use a lower gear. The reason for this is to take advantage of engine braking, where the resistance within the engine helps to slow down the vehicle without relying solely on the brakes. This can help prevent brake wear and potential brake failure due to overheating from the prolonged use required when descending. Driving in a lower gear provides better control over the vehicle's speed as well.
For example, if your car has a manual transmission, shifting to a gear such as second or first (depending on the steepness of the descent and the speed limit) can increase the natural resistance of the engine against the motion. For automatic vehicles, many have a 'low' gear (L) setting or a manual mode that allows the driver to select a lower gear. Refer to your vehicle's owner manual for the most accurate guidance specific to your car model.