Understanding Ford’s Hill Descent Control: Safe Off-Roading

Hill Descent Control works by controlling your downhill travel speed with automatic brake application. This system allows the driver to select a travel speed for downhill driving. When the system is activated, the brakes will automatically pump to prevent your vehicle from speeding down a hill. This feature can be activated during low-speed travel below 21 MPH and will automatically disengage when the vehicle travels above 37 MPH. 

How to Use the System

Drivers can activate Hill Descent Control by pushing a button on the central console. Setting the downhill driving speed can be done by using the steering wheel cruise control switches, or drivers can use the gas and brake pedals. The brake system can override the Hill Descent Control system in case of an emergency. 

When to Use Ford Hill Descent Control

Hill Descent Control is specifically designed for off-road travel, such as when you are descending a steep hill on rough terrain. Because this system regulates your downhill travel speed with autonomous braking, it allows you to focus more on controlling the steering direction of your Ford so you can ease around obstacles in your path or keep your vehicle straight on narrow trails.


However, you can also activate this system on paved roads, such as if you are driving in a hilly area in the city or the suburbs. This system will perform with the same brake regulation pattern to maintain a slow and controlled hill descent on ordinary tarmac. This system may even be particularly helpful to control your downhill descent speed during inclement weather. 

Can This System Be Used While Trailering?

If you are hauling a heavy load with a model like the 2025 Ford F-Series, Hill Descent Control can be a boon to your vehicle handling. Traveling downhill with a heavy trailer or camper can be tricky in both on-road and off-road driving environments. 


When Hill Descent Control is activated, you can feel more at ease driving down a slope with a fully loaded trailer, since this system maintains your set travel speed and prevents the heavy load from pushing your truck downhill faster. 


Hill Descent Control is a crucial safety feature for off-road driving at moderate speeds, but it can also be used to improve downhill vehicle control when a trailer is attached. Try out this system during a test drive at Bob Maxey Ford (Detroit) in Detroit, MI. 

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