1998 GMC Suburban Owner's Manual - Page 214

Driving Downhill When off-roading takes you downhill, you'll want to consider a number of things: e How steep is the d o w ~ ~ h i Will I be able t o maintain ll? vehicle control? 0 If you decide you can go down a h i l l safely. then try to keep your vehicle headed straight down, and use a low gear. This way. engine drag can help your brakes and they won't have to do all the work. Descend slowly, keeping your vehicle under control at a l l times. I - 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 when going down a hill can cause your brakes to overheat and fade. This could cause loss of control anda serious accident. Apply the brakes lightly when descending a hill and usea low gear to keep vehicle speed under control. 4-22