Applying the brakes repeatedly while descending a mountain pass - a deadly mistake by drivers.
Driving on mountain roads and steep slopes is always a challenge for drivers, especially new drivers. Therefore, drivers must master the techniques for safe driving on mountain roads.
Many incidents of vehicles losing their brakes while descending mountain passes in Vietnam have resulted in serious accidents. In particular, these accidents often involve large vehicles such as trucks and buses, causing significant casualties.
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| Accidents caused by brake failure on mountain passes often result in a high number of casualties. |
For heavy trucks, the inertia during movement is very large. Therefore, during braking, the brake pads must generate extremely high friction to overcome the vehicle's inertia. This friction between the brake pads and the brake discs generates a large amount of heat, causing the surfaces of the brake pads and discs to heat up to hundreds of degrees Celsius. As the temperature increases, the friction force simultaneously decreases, and at some point, the brake pads completely slip and become almost ineffective.
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| The brake disc surface becomes red-hot after continuous friction with the brake disc. |
Some drivers often constantly apply the brakes to slow down when going downhill, but this is completely wrong. On long mountain passes, continuously applying the brakes will cause them to overheat quickly and may eventually lose effectiveness, leading to the vehicle rolling uncontrollably down the slope.
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| Constantly applying the brakes caused the vehicle to lose its brakes, roll uncontrollably down the mountain pass, and cause an accident. |
Instead of constantly applying the brakes to reduce speed while descending a hill, drivers should use engine braking to slow down. This is done by shifting to a lower gear. According to experienced automotive experts, when descending a hill, you should use a gear that is the same or lower than the gear used when driving uphill. Engine braking in a low gear is much more effective than the braking system. Drivers should shift to a lower gear before descending a hill, because once the car is rolling downhill at high speed, the driver can no longer control the gear change.
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| Drivers should shift to lower gears before descending a mountain pass. |
For automatic transmission vehicles, drivers need to switch to manual mode, indicated by D1, D2... or the (+) and (-) signs depending on the vehicle type, to downshift. Additionally, some vehicles are equipped with paddle shifters on the steering wheel to increase or decrease gears; drivers should carefully consult the owner's manual for guidance if necessary.
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| For automatic transmission vehicles, the driver needs to switch to the (+) or (-) position to shift to a lower gear. |
If braking is unavoidable, drivers should apply the brakes firmly to bring the vehicle's speed back to a safe level and avoid continuously applying the brakes.
