Should the CRV use L gear or S gear when climbing a slope?
2 Answers
Whether the CRV should use L gear or S gear when climbing a slope depends on the following situations: 1. Short and gentle slope: Using L gear can meet the climbing needs. 2. Long and steep slope: Use S gear. When the gear is in S gear, the engine's working state is elevated, and the torque output from the transmission can instantly increase, giving the vehicle significant power. Below are relevant details about L gear and S gear: 1. L gear: L gear (Low gear). If the car is driving in congested traffic or other slow-moving conditions, staying in D gear may cause frequent gear shifts, not only increasing fuel consumption but also reducing the vehicle's driving comfort. 2. S gear: S gear (Sport gear). S gear provides strong power and is the exclusive gear for sport mode. The engine speed in S gear is very robust. It can be used for clearing engine carbon deposits, short-term overtaking, or climbing steep slopes. Using S gear on regular road conditions is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut and will also increase fuel consumption.
I remember that choosing the right gear is crucial when driving uphill. In the CR-V, shifting to L gear is definitely the top choice. L stands for Low gear, specifically designed for high torque. When climbing steep slopes or towing heavy loads, the engine maintains high but stable RPMs, delivering continuous power output. Using S gear, on the other hand, delays upshifting—while it feels exhilarating during acceleration, the soaring RPMs waste fuel and may cause transmission instability or overheating. I often go on long road trips myself, and whenever I encounter mountain roads, I always switch to L gear. The car climbs steadily without the engine straining. For gentle slopes in daily driving, D gear is sufficient. During maintenance, pay attention to checking the brakes and tires—safety comes first when climbing. Don’t forget to switch to L gear when descending as well to utilize engine braking, saving your brakes and extending their lifespan. In short, L gear is reliable and worry-free.
