What does the D3 gear in a car mean?
2 Answers
The D3 gear in a car means: the gear is limited to shifting between 1st and 3rd gears and will not automatically upshift. On general road surfaces, it shifts at around 40 km/h. When exceeding this speed, the driver can observe that the gear does not shift up to 4th, but instead the engine RPM increases. Normally, the gear should shift below 2500 RPM, but in D3 gear, it can maintain above 3000 RPM, making the acceleration feel more responsive. The D3 gear is also a driving gear, similar to the D gear except that it only shifts between the first three forward gears. However, when driving, it is important to pay attention to the maximum speed allowed by the 3rd gear to avoid damaging the engine. The D3 gear should be used when towing in hilly areas or when descending steep slopes to provide engine braking, reducing brake pad wear and the heat generated by friction.
I used to love using the D3 gear when driving on steep slopes. Essentially, it limits the automatic transmission to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears, preventing it from shifting up to 4th or higher. This way, when going downhill, the engine's natural resistance helps slow down the car, reducing the need to brake excessively and avoiding overheating or brake failure. It works particularly well for me, such as when driving on mountain roads or during long trips. I also frequently use it when driving an SUV because the heavier body is more prone to losing control, and the D3 gear helps me maintain a stable speed. Safety-wise, it's important to note that it's rarely used on flat city roads, as it would just waste fuel and unnecessarily strain the engine. In short, using this little trick wisely can make driving feel more secure, especially for beginners who might benefit from trying it out more often.
