Which of the following actions should you take when approaching a hill?

When approaching a hill, shifting into a lower gear is the recommended action because it optimizes your vehicle’s performance and control as you climb. By using a lower gear, you increase the engine's power and torque, which is particularly important when navigating an incline. This helps maintain a consistent speed without overworking the engine.

A lower gear also provides better engine braking as you descend, which is crucial for maintaining safe speeds on the downhill portion. If you were to accelerate quickly, it could lead to loss of control or engine strain. Maintaining your current speed without adjusting your gear could result in insufficient power to ascend the hill efficiently. Similarly, reducing your speed gradually may not be ideal since you want to ensure you have enough power to continue moving upward effectively. By shifting into a lower gear, you prepare your vehicle to handle both the ascent and descent more safely.