Should D- or D+ be used when going downhill?
2 Answers
D gear is generally used for city driving, D+ is used when climbing a slope and more power is needed, while D- is used when going down a gentle slope. The choice between D gear and S gear depends on the steepness of the slope. For less steep slopes, D gear can be used, but for steeper slopes, D gear may not provide enough power, and S gear should be used instead. Lower gears provide greater torque, making it easier to climb slopes. However, when going down steep slopes, it is essential to develop the habit of using S gear, which is beneficial for the car and ensures driving safety. Below is an introduction to D gear and S gear: 1. D gear stands for Drive gear, which is present in all automatic transmission vehicles. When D gear is engaged, the vehicle's computer will shift gears according to preset programs. + is for manual mode upshifting, and - is for manual mode downshifting. 2. D (+, -): Manual mode. Allows manual shifting; pushing up shifts up one gear, and pulling down shifts down one gear. It is possible to start in 2nd gear. 3. S gear consumes more fuel. S gear is a high-rev gear that upshifts late and downshifts early, providing better vehicle performance, making it suitable for climbing steep slopes or overtaking. Switching between S and D gears can generally be done at any time, but it is recommended not to shift from D to S when the vehicle speed and engine RPM are high.
When driving downhill, I usually switch to D1 gear instead of the regular D gear. The reason behind this is engine braking: in D1 mode, the transmission maintains a lower gear, and the engine generates greater resistance to help control the vehicle's speed, preventing it from accelerating downhill. If you use D gear, the transmission will automatically upshift to increase speed, causing you to frequently apply the brakes. Over time, this can lead to overheating, wear, or even failure of the brake pads. Especially when driving on mountain roads or steep slopes, this method of speed control is safer and more comfortable. I've also found that this habit can extend the vehicle's lifespan and reduce the frequency of brake maintenance. Remember to switch back to D gear on flat roads to maintain normal driving. Overall, developing good driving habits is crucial for personal safety.
