Is the Accord D3 gear used for overtaking?

[Beckett]

The Accord D3 gear is used for overtaking. Start with D2 gear, and when the speed reaches above 20 km/h, you can shift to D gear for driving. D1 gear is the heavy-duty gear, generally used when the vehicle starts with a heavy load or when climbing a slope, i.e., when D1 gear is needed. D3 gear is the overtaking gear, and when the vehicle is stop-and-go in the city, it is best to use D3 gear. D gear is the most common gear in automatic transmission models, usually located in the middle and rear position of the gear shift console, behind the N gear, aiming to automatically select the gear when the car is moving forward. D gear belongs to the forward gear, but the forward gear is not only D gear but also includes M gear, S gear, L gear, and digital identification limit gears such as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. The driving gear includes both forward and reverse gears, and the counterpart to the driving gear is the neutral gear, which means no gear is engaged and there is no gear position.

[StCassandra]

With over 20 years of driving experience, I can say that the Accord's D3 gear is mainly used to limit the transmission to lower gears, making engine braking more effective when climbing steep hills or going downhill. It's actually not ideal for overtaking because D3 locks in gears 1-3, causing the engine RPM to rise quickly but limiting power at higher speeds, which can even lead to increased fuel consumption and more noise. When I was younger, I tried using it for overtaking, but the acceleration felt sluggish, especially when passing large trucks on highways—the car's response wasn't as quick as in regular D mode or sport mode with a quick throttle press. The key to overtaking lies in maintaining a safe distance and timely acceleration. Modern transmissions are designed to downshift automatically for better response, so using D mode is usually sufficient for most driving conditions. Develop good habits: always check the rearview mirror before overtaking to ensure no oncoming traffic, then accelerate smoothly.