What should you do if your brakes are overheating during a steep descent?

When descending a steep hill, brakes can become overheated due to continuous use. In this situation, shifting to a lower gear enables the vehicle to use engine braking, which reduces reliance on the brake system. Engine braking occurs when the engine's compression slows down the vehicle, significantly helping to control speed without generating extra heat in the brakes.

Utilizing this technique is crucial because it helps maintain better control over the vehicle while preventing brake failure caused by overheating. Overheating brakes can lead to diminished stopping power or even complete brake failure, making the descent dangerous.

Continuing to use the brakes can exacerbate the overheating issue, and while alerting others with hazard lights is a safety measure, it does not address the main problem of brakes overheating. Opening the windows, though it may offer some physical comfort, does not impact the braking system's effectiveness or temperature. Therefore, shifting to a lower gear is the most effective and proactive approach to managing brake temperature on steep descents.