Does Using L Gear Damage the Car?
2 Answers
Using L gear does not damage the car. L stands for low gear, and shifting to this position allows the car to use engine power for braking when going downhill, eliminating the need for the driver to press the brake pedal for extended periods. When driving in L gear at low speeds, the engine operates at low RPMs, which has no adverse effect on the vehicle. However, using L gear at high RPMs may cause some damage to the engine. Situations where L gear is useful include: 1. When climbing steep slopes, selecting L gear limits the vehicle to low gear, preventing frequent gear shifts and providing more power for uphill driving while also protecting the transmission; 2. When driving in snowy conditions, switching to L gear helps maintain the vehicle between 1st and 2nd gears, preventing excessive fuel consumption and wear on the vehicle.
When I used to drive an automatic transmission car, I always worried about whether using the L gear would harm the engine. Later, I realized the key lies in proper usage. If you only shift to L gear during long steep descents, it limits gear upshifts and uses engine braking to assist deceleration, preventing brake disc overheating and failure—this is completely normal operation that won't damage the mechanics. However, frequently forcing L gear on flat roads to artificially raise RPMs does place excessive additional load on the engine and transmission, accelerating wear. My habit is to assess road conditions before descents, gently push (don't yank) when downshifting, and immediately return to D gear after the slope ends. Also, remember to change transmission fluid regularly—don't wait until strange noises appear to repair it.
