Chevrolet 2007 Colorado Owner's Manual page 270

Driving Downhill
When off-roading takes you downhill, you will
want to consider a number of things:
•
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?
270
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 the brakes and they will not 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.