How should you use the brake pedal when traveling down a steep downhill grade?

Using the brake pedal with a technique known as snubbing when traveling down a steep downhill grade is particularly effective for maintaining control of your vehicle and preventing brake overheating. This method involves alternating between applying the brakes for short periods and then releasing them to allow for cooling.

By using snubbing, you can regulate your speed without excessive use of the brake, which could lead to brake fade—a loss of braking power due to overheating. The gradual and intermittent application of the brakes allows you to manage the vehicle’s speed effectively while also ensuring that the braking system remains functional throughout the descent.

While continuously applying the brakes can lead to them overheating, and relying solely on the emergency brake is not advisable for regular control of the vehicle, shifting to a lower gear without braking can help slow the vehicle down but may not provide the necessary control on steep grades like snubbing does. Thus, snubbing is the most balanced approach for safely navigating downhill slopes.