A better way to control your speed would be to footbrake against the torque converter. As you come over the top of a steep hill, accelerate at the same time as braking. This is known as power braking.

This must seem an odd statement to make! Depending on the weather, ground conditions, the steepness of the hill and the tyres fitted, as you go over the top, carefully accelerate in 'one' up to 1,500-2,000rpm at the same time as 'left-foot' braking. What you are actually doing is putting power through both the front and rear propshafts to all four wheels and applying equal wheel braking through your four disc brakes.

In all cases, practice makes perfect. Learn on gradual slopes first and build up your confidence on experience gained. Once you've got the knack, tackle slippery slopes till you get it just right. Just enough acceleration and braking at the same time.

This is fine on hill slopes, but for very steep banks, your two tonnes or so of vehicle is only going to break away, so it's best to keep your feet flat on the floor as if you are driving a manual transmission vehicle.

A hint that could help you is, if you are taking your auto V8 Classic Range Rover or V8 Discovery down, say a 45° bank, lower yourself over the top on the footbrake to a point where you see the bottom. At this moment, the rear wheels must still be on the top. Then come off the footbrake to avoid locking any of the wheels, simply steer straight down and out at the bottom, in low ratio 'one'. This ensures that you go as slowly as possible over the top.

Power braking is also very successful when descending backwards, say when dealing with a failed hill climb. Again, practice makes perfect. Don't overdo power braking, save it for only those occasions when it is absolutely necessary. I don't think Land Rover Ltd recommend this method.

Anti-lock Braking

In recent years, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have appeared on Classic Range Rovers and Discoveries, either as standard or as an option. Its purpose is to allow efficient braking without wheel locking, allowing you to retain steerability and control of the vehicle.

 

Keep a watchful eye for eroded edges of trackst

If you can't climb it, perhaps winching it up could be safer

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