What should you do to increase your vehicle's pulling power while driving uphill?

To increase your vehicle's pulling power while driving uphill, shifting to a lower gear is essential. This adjustment optimizes the engine's torque, which is the force used to rotate the vehicle's wheels. When you are in a lower gear, the engine runs at a higher RPM (revolutions per minute), enabling it to deliver more power to overcome the incline effectively. This also helps prevent the engine from stalling and allows for better acceleration on steep grades.

In contrast, shifting to a higher gear would cause the engine to struggle, as it would not provide the necessary power to climb the hill efficiently. Reducing speed may seem like a sensible option, but it does not directly enhance pulling power; instead, it might lead to a decrease in momentum. Maintaining your current speed without adjusting gear could leave you unable to manage the incline effectively, risking the vehicle stalling or losing speed altogether. Thus, shifting to a lower gear is the most effective strategy for enhancing a vehicle's pulling power while driving uphill.