You’re driving down a long, steep hill. You suddenly notice that your brakes aren’t working as well as normal. What’s the usual cause of this?

Explanation: This is more likely to happen on vehicles fitted with drum brakes, but it can apply to disc brakes as well. Using a lower gear will assist the braking and help you to keep control of your vehicle.

Category: Vehicle handling

References: The Official DVSA Guide to Driving: Section 7