In which two situations should you downshift your vehicle?

Downshifting your vehicle is an important technique in various driving situations to maintain control and manage speed effectively. Choosing to downshift when starting down a hill and entering a curve is particularly crucial for safety.

When descending a hill, the vehicle's weight can cause it to accelerate more quickly than desired due to gravity. Downshifting allows the engine to assist with braking, providing better control over the vehicle's speed and helping to prevent it from gaining too much momentum, which can lead to a loss of control or potential accidents.

Additionally, when entering a curve, downshifting allows for better handling. A lower gear increases engine braking, which helps to stabilize the vehicle and maintain smoother steering through the curve. This is especially important in maintaining traction and ensuring safety when navigating turns at variable speeds.

In contrast, situations like accelerating on a straight road or stopping at a red light do not necessitate downshifting. In these circumstances, driving typically requires either maintaining the current gear or shifting up, depending on the vehicle's speed and conditions. Entering a roundabout may also not require downshifting, depending on the speed and flow of traffic, further underscoring the specific need for downshifting in the context of descending hills and navigating curves.