Question 358 of 403

If your brakes suddenly feel like they are losing effectiveness ('brake fade') on a long downgrade, what should you do?

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Use a lower gear and any available escape ramp or runaway lane, rather than continuing to ride the brakes
Pump the brake pedal rapidly to try to rebuild pressure while still moving, a shortcut that doesn't actually apply to downgrade
Shift to neutral to reduce strain on the transmission
Pump the brakes rapidly and continue at the same speed

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Correct answer to question 358 (General Knowledge): Use a lower gear and any available escape ramp or runaway lane, rather than continuing to ride the brakes

Why

If brakes start to fade from overheating, downshifting for engine braking and using an escape ramp if one is available is safer than continuing to rely on brakes that are already losing effectiveness.

Updated: November 2026

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If your brakes suddenly feel like they are losing effectiveness ('brake fade') on a long downgrade, what should you do?

Why

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