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C1Difficulty 1/5

A manual-gearbox lorry faces a steep uphill gradient and the engine cannot maintain a suitable speed in a high gear. What should the driver select?

Correct answer

A suitable lower gear for the ascent.

A suitable lower gear for the gradient, load and manufacturer instructions. Downshifting increases wheel torque for the same engine torque; it does not create additional power. There is no fixed gear for every ascent; avoid labouring the engine at low speed or exceeding its permitted speed.

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  • A suitable lower gear for the ascent.

  • A higher gear even if the engine cannot maintain a suitable speed.

  • Neutral to climb without transmitting force to the wheels.

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