SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cdl-mountain-lower-gear

What gear should you use before starting down a long mountain grade?

Select a lower gear before the downgrade.

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  1. Neutral
  2. A lower gear ✔
  3. The highest gear available

Why: A lower gear lets the engine help hold back speed, so you do not rely only on the brakes.

Huh, didn't know that: Do not try to downshift after your speed has built up; you may not get into a lower gear at all.

The dad joke
Why did the truck choose a low gear? It did not want to break bad.
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References

Answer: A lower gear. A lower gear lets the engine help hold back speed, so you do not rely only on the brakes.

  1. California Commercial Driver Handbook (AAMVA model manual) www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-commercial-driver-handbook-pdf
    Shift the transmission to a low gear before starting down the grade.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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