When driving down a steep grade in a car with a standard transmission, which gear should you use?

When driving down a steep grade in a car with a standard transmission, using low gear is the appropriate choice because it allows engine braking to assist in slowing down the vehicle. When in low gear, the engine provides resistance against the vehicle's movement, which helps to control speed without relying solely on the brakes. This helps to prevent brake overheating and potential brake failure, especially during a long descent.

Using high gear could lead to the vehicle gaining too much speed, as higher gears are designed for maintaining speed rather than controlling it on an incline. Choosing neutral gear would disengage the engine from the wheels, removing any engine braking effect and forcing the driver to rely entirely on the brakes. Finally, using reverse gear is not safe or effective for descending; it does not control speed in a forward motion and could cause damage to the transmission. Therefore, selecting low gear is crucial for safe driving down steep grades.