When descending downhill grades, how should you apply brake pressure?

When descending downhill grades, applying brake pressure in a light and steady manner is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle. This method helps prevent the brakes from overheating, which can lead to brake failure. When you apply the brakes lightly and steadily, you can maintain a consistent speed without subjecting the braking system to excessive wear or causing it to lose effectiveness.

This technique allows for better vehicle control, especially on steep descents where maintaining a manageable speed is essential. It also provides the driver with more responsive handling, reducing the risk of skidding or losing traction.

In contrast to light and steady pressure, heavy and abrupt braking can generate too much heat quickly and may lead to brake fade. A moderate and fluctuating application of brakes can create inconsistent vehicle speed and control, making it more challenging to navigate the downhill grade safely. Finally, the idea of applying no brake pressure at all is only safe under very specific conditions, where the vehicle and load allow safe descent purely through gears and gravity. Generally, some level of braking is necessary for control.