What does the B gear in Corolla mean?
3 Answers
Corolla B gear refers to engine braking. The B gear on a car is a rarely seen gear position, which is generally found on Japanese cars. Taking the 2021 Corolla as an example, it belongs to the compact car category with body dimensions of: length 4635mm, width 1780mm, height 1455mm, wheelbase of 2700mm, fuel tank capacity of 50L, and trunk capacity of 470L. The 2021 Corolla features a MacPherson strut front suspension and an E-type multi-link rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.2T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 116PS, maximum power of 85kW, maximum torque of 185Nm, paired with a 10-speed continuously variable transmission.
As a Corolla owner, I once went on a trip to the mountains and felt the brakes getting soft when going downhill, which made me a bit nervous. A friend suggested I switch to B mode. After shifting, the car slowed down on its own, with the engine helping to decelerate as if it had engaged the handbrake. Actually, B mode is the engine braking mode, specifically designed for steep downhill driving. It uses engine braking to share the load on the brakes, preventing the brake pads from overheating or failing, which is especially useful for those who frequently drive on mountain roads. Using regular D mode downhill puts too much strain on the brakes, but engaging B mode helps protect the system, extends its lifespan, and enhances driving safety. I’ve noticed that since I started using B mode regularly, my brake maintenance costs have significantly decreased—this feature in the Corolla is truly thoughtful. Remember to switch to B mode before descending; don’t wait until the brakes start giving you trouble.
From a technical automotive perspective, the B gear in the Corolla stands for Brake or Engine Braking mode. When shifting into B gear with an automatic transmission, it simulates the low-gear function of a manual transmission, utilizing engine compression braking to provide additional deceleration force. This is particularly suitable for steep downhill scenarios, significantly reducing the load on the braking system to prevent overheating, thereby avoiding brake fade or failure. In daily driving, proper use of the B gear can extend the lifespan of brake pads and save on maintenance costs. Operation is simple: just shift directly from D gear to B gear for automatic activation. It's best to switch at the top of the slope rather than waiting until the end of a steep descent. Although engine noise may slightly increase, it does not harm the vehicle, as the overall design prioritizes practicality and safety.
