Jeep Compass 2020 Owner's Manual page 333

NOTE:
Brakes should be applied at increased slippage, but before
coming to a stop to avoid digging into the loose surface and
rendering the operator of the vehicle stuck/immobile.
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep
hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately
apply the brakes. Once stopped, shift to REVERSE. Back
slowly down the hill allowing the compression braking of
the engine to help regulate your speed. If the brakes are
required to control vehicle speed, apply them lightly and
avoid locking or skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt to turn
around. To do so may result in tipping and rolling the
vehicle. Always back straight down a hill in REVERSE
gear carefully. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL
using only the brake.
NOTE:
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill - drive
straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a hill,
ease off the accelerator and maintain headway by turning the
front wheels slowly left and right. This may provide a fresh
"bite" into the surface and may provide traction to complete
the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the 4WD System
to 4WD LOW range or Hill Descent Control if equipped
(refer to "Safety Features" in the "Safety" section for further
information). Let the vehicle go slowly down the hill with all
four wheels turning against engine compression drag. This
will permit you to control the vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can
cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission
whenever possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 331
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