Qulqulet: Downhill Speed Alert

A long mountain descent can put sustained demand on a loaded vehicle's brakes. Qulqulet helps truck and bus drivers prepare for the downhill ahead using road heights and the vehicle settings they enter.

The app estimates brake heat for vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or more. Its downhill guidance includes an early low-gear reminder and, where the model calls for one, a calculated speed advisory. A dashboard view keeps the advisory, current speed and upcoming elevation profile together.

Set the vehicle type, total loaded weight, brake type and engine-braking details before starting a drive. Road-pack coverage and GPS quality determine which roads can be assessed. When the available information is insufficient, the app explains why guidance is unavailable.

The driving controls are limited while moving. Choose settings while parked, keep attention on the road, and use Stop drive to end the session. Spoken guidance depends on the language voices installed on the device; a chime is available when a voice is missing.

Understand the limits

Qulqulet provides downhill estimates, not a measurement of brake temperature or a guarantee that a road or speed is safe. It cannot inspect your brakes, tyres, load, road surface or weather. Road signs, posted limits, vehicle instructions and the driver's judgement come first. A missing warning does not mean there is no hazard.

This version does not provide bend-speed warnings, turn-by-turn navigation or emergency assistance. Map and elevation data can be incomplete or inaccurate. Guidance applies only where usable road data is available.

Data and model sources

Road geometry: OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.
https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright

Elevation: Copernicus DEM GLO-30.
https://dataspace.copernicus.eu/explore-data/data-collections/copernicus-contributing-missions/collections-description/COP-DEM

Brake-heat model: FHWA Grade Severity Rating System research; supporting Wyoming DOT research is available from the US Department of Transportation library.
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/42490

Qulqulet is developed independently by Saifullah. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or data provider. The app's advisories are its own calculations, not official road instructions.

Questions or feedback: www.saifullah.ai@gmail.com