What it means
Warning: A steep descent is ahead. Use a lower gear to assist with braking and prevent your brakes from overheating.
What to do
- Select a lower gear before the gradient, going up or down.
- Downhill: let engine braking hold your speed and use brakes sparingly.
- Uphill: watch for slow heavy vehicles and do not overtake blind.
In the K53 test
Gradient questions test gearing: low gear BEFORE the slope. Riding the brakes downhill causes fade, the classic heavy-vehicle trap.
Where you will see it
On any road, especially in mountainous areas, in advance of a steep grade.
