Should the Envision use D gear or L gear when going uphill?
2 Answers
When the uphill slope is not steep, you can normally use D gear. For steeper slopes, L gear is recommended. Relevant explanations are as follows: 1. D gear: This is the drive gear, used for driving on regular roads. D gear generally includes gears from 1 to high gear or 2 to high gear, and it automatically shifts based on changes in speed and load. By placing the lever in D gear, the driver can control the speed simply by adjusting the throttle pedal. 2. L gear: This is the low forward gear (equivalent to 1st gear in a manual transmission). It is most effective in heavy traffic conditions and on steep slopes. When going up or down a slope, it allows full utilization of the car engine's torque.
I usually drive my Envision in the city for commuting, and I mostly use the D gear for uphill driving—it's hassle-free and smooth. For gentle slopes like being stuck on an overpass or climbing an underground parking ramp, it works perfectly fine. The car climbs steadily without any fuss, keeping my hands free and saving fuel. However, when encountering steep and long slopes in mountainous areas, like during weekend road trips, I’ve tried the L gear a few times. It feels like the engine has more power, holding back the speed to prevent it from surging too fast, and the transmission doesn’t work as hard, avoiding overheating and damage. Think of D gear as walking normally, while L gear is like holding onto a railing on rough terrain—it’s just more stable. Don’t worry about starting issues; automatic transmissions are designed to handle daily needs. Just pay attention to the slope and speed while driving, and adjust accordingly. Over time, I’ve found these techniques make the journey much more comfortable.
