North Carolina DMV Practice Test

What action is most recommended when you encounter a steep hill while driving?

1. Shift into a higher gear

2. Increase your speed to maintain momentum

3. Use a lower gear to control speed

4. Turn off your air conditioning

The correct answer is: Use a lower gear to control speed

When driving on a steep hill, using a lower gear is the most recommended action because it helps to control the vehicle's speed and maintain better control of the vehicle. Lower gears provide increased engine power to assist with climbing steep inclines, preventing the engine from straining too much. Furthermore, when descending, a lower gear allows for better engine braking, which is crucial for keeping your speed in check without relying solely on the brakes. This reduces the risk of brake failure due to overheating, especially on long descents. In contrast, shifting into a higher gear or increasing speed to maintain momentum could make it challenging to manage the vehicle's speed, especially while heading downhill, as higher gears make it more difficult for the engine to assist in braking. Turning off the air conditioning might help with fuel efficiency and power when climbing, but it does not address the fundamental handling concerns with steep inclines which are primarily about gear control and speed management. Therefore, using a lower gear is the safest and most effective action to take when navigating steep hills.