If you have a heavy load that is slowing you down on an upgrade, what should you do?

When driving a heavy vehicle up an incline, shifting into a lower gear is an essential technique. This action allows the engine to maintain power and torque, enabling the vehicle to climb the hill more effectively without stalling or losing speed significantly. Lower gears increase engine RPMs, providing more power to the wheels and helping manage the heavy load. This is particularly important for maintaining momentum and ensuring the vehicle does not become a hazard on the road.

Maintaining speed in a heavy load situation could lead to unintended consequences, such as losing control or adding strain on the engine and brakes, especially on an incline. Driving on the shoulder could create a dangerous situation for both the driver and other road users, and exiting the road might not be practical or safe if traffic is heavy. Therefore, shifting to a lower gear is the most effective solution to manage the heavy load during an upgrade while promoting safe driving practices.