When approaching a steep incline, what should you do?

When approaching a steep incline, shifting to a lower gear before ascending is the best practice. This technique allows the engine to operate within its optimal power band, providing the necessary torque to climb the incline efficiently. A lower gear helps maintain better control of speed and momentum, preventing the engine from straining or stalling as it works harder against gravity.

In contrast, shifting to a higher gear would limit the engine's power and torque, making it more difficult to ascend the hill. Shifting to neutral not only compromises your control over the vehicle but also can be dangerous, as the vehicle could gain speed downhill after cresting the incline. Maintaining your current gear might not provide sufficient power to keep climbing steadily, especially if the incline is steep. Therefore, shifting to a lower gear is essential for safe and effective driving on inclines.