Driving Downhill - Chevrolet 2009 Suburban Owner's Manual

If, after stalling, you try to back down the hill and decide
you just cannot do it, set the parking brake, put your
transmission in P (Park), and turn off the engine. Leave
the vehicle and go get some help. Exit on the uphill side
and stay clear of the path the vehicle would take if it rolled
downhill. Do not shift the transfer case to Neutral when
you leave the vehicle. Leave it in some gear.
CAUTION:
{
Shifting the transfer case to Neutral can cause
your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in
P (Park). This is because the Neutral position on
the transfer case overrides the transmission. You or
someone else could be injured. If you are going to
leave your vehicle, set the parking brake and shift
the transmission to P (Park). But do not shift the
transfer case to Neutral.
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Driving Downhill

When off-roading takes you downhill, consider:
•
How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to maintain
vehicle control?
•
What is the surface like? Smooth? Rough?
Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel?
•
Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts? Logs?
Boulders?
•
What is at the bottom of the hill? Is there a hidden
creek bank or even a river bottom with large rocks?
If you decide you can go down a hill safely, try to keep
the vehicle headed straight down. Use a low gear so
engine drag can help the brakes so they do not have to
do all the work. Descend slowly, keeping the vehicle
under control at all times.