Chevrolet 2003 Avalanche Owner's Manual page 290

If you decide you can go down a hill 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 all times.
{
CAUTION:
Heavy braking when going down a hill can
cause your brakes to overheat and 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.
Q:
Are there some things I should not do when
driving down a hill?
A:
Yes! These are important because if you ignore
them you could lose control and have a serious
accident.
•
When driving downhill, avoid turns that take you
across the incline of the hill. A hill that's not too
steep to drive down may be too steep to drive
across. You could roll over if you don't drive straight
down.
•
Never go downhill with the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N). This is called "free-wheeling." Your
brakes will have to do all the work and could
overheat and fade.
Q:
Am I likely to stall when going downhill?
A:
It's much more likely to happen going uphill. But if
it happens going downhill, here's what to do.
•
Stop your vehicle by applying the regular brakes.
Apply the parking brake.
•
Shift to PARK (P) and, while still braking, restart the
engine.
•
Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake,
and drive straight down.
•
If the engine won't start, get out and get help.
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