What is recommended when going down long hills to save wear on your vehicle?

When driving down long hills, it is recommended to shift into a lower gear to help control your speed without relying excessively on the brakes. When you shift into a lower gear, the engine can assist with braking through engine compression, which reduces the risk of brake overheating or failure. This method utilizes the vehicle's transmission to manage speed naturally.

Using the parking brake is not a suitable approach while descending a hill, as it can lead to potential loss of control or even brake failure if relied upon solely for slowing down. Additionally, disengaging the clutch or shifting to neutral can be dangerous because it removes engine braking, which can result in increased vehicle speed and decreased control. Accelerating to maintain speed while descending a hill is generally inadvisable, as it can lead to unsafe driving conditions and increased brake wear.

Thus, shifting into a lower gear is the more effective and safer method when handling descents on long hills. It helps in vehicle stability and enhances braking effectiveness.