Through the years
Page 65
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In reply to Mr. Salter's letter on braking methods: I am a p.s.v. driver and in the course of my test for my p.s.v. licence I was required by the examiner to change from top gear down through the box into bottom gear while travelling down a slight gradient without using the brakes at all to slow the vehicle down. I have always used a combination of gear changing and brakes to slow down, but of course I do not let the clutch engage on an idling engine.
I have never driven a vehicle fitted with an exhaust brake, but I have always thought that its purpose was to increase the braking effect of the engine when used in conjunction with the selection of a lower gear.
I was always taught "go down the hill in the gear you would come up it"—M other words if necessary change down and don't rely on your brakes for everything.
Surely Mr. Salter's method of brakes only for slowing down will increase the chances of brake fade and in today's conditions on the road these risks are high enough.
SYDNEY STEPHEN HUGHES Widnes, Lancs.
P.S.: How many signs are there on the roads stating "ENGAGE LOW GEAR" at the top of many steep hills?