1997 GMC Suburban Owner's Manual - Page 205

Driving Downhill When off-roading takes you downhill, you'll want to consider anumber of things: 0 How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to maintain vehicle control? What's the surface like? Smooth? Rough? Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel? Are there hidden surface obstacles?Ruts? Logs'? Boulders? What's at the bottom of the hill? Is there a hidden creek bank or even a river bottom with large rocks'? 0 0 Heavy braking whengoing down a hill cancause your brakes to overheatand fade. This could cause loss of control and a serious accident. Apply the brakes lightly when descending a hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle speed under control. 0 If you decide you can go down a hili safely, then try to keep your vehicle headed straight down, and use a low your brakes and gear. This way, engine drag can help they won't have to do all the work. Descend slowly, keeping your vehicle under control at all times.