Should I use D+ or D- for uphill driving?
1 Answers
D gear is generally used for city driving. D+ is used when climbing hills that require more power, while D- is used for descending small slopes. The choice between D, D+, or D- depends on the steepness of the slope. For gentle slopes, D gear is sufficient. For steeper slopes where D gear lacks power, S gear may be necessary. Lower gears provide higher torque, making it easier to climb hills. However, it's essential to develop the habit of using S gear when descending steep slopes, as it benefits the vehicle and ensures driving safety. Below are introductions to D gear and S gear: 1. D gear represents the drive gear, common in all automatic transmission vehicles. After shifting into D gear, the vehicle's computer will automatically shift gears based on pre-set programs. + is for manual mode upshift, and - is for manual mode downshift. 2. D(+,-): Manual mode. Allows manual gear shifting—push up to upshift, pull down to downshift. It enables starting in 2nd gear. 3. S gear consumes more fuel. S gear operates at higher RPMs, with delayed upshifts and early downshifts, providing better vehicle power. It's suitable for climbing steep hills or overtaking. Switching between S and D is generally possible at any time, but it's advised not to shift from D to S at high speeds or high engine RPMs.