What does the L gear in Civic mean?
3 Answers
The L gear in Civic stands for Low gear. When shifted into L gear, the transmission will maintain a lower gear without upshifting. Below is a partial introduction to the Civic's engines: 1. The Civic uses two types of engines: one is a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and the other is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. 2. The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine: maximum power of 130kw, maximum torque of 226 Nm, maximum power speed at 5500 rpm, maximum torque speed ranging from 1800 to 5500 rpm. 3. The 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine: maximum power of 92kw, maximum torque of 173 Nm, maximum power speed at 5500 rpm, maximum torque speed ranging from 2000 to 4500 rpm.
The L gear in the Civic stands for Low gear. After driving this car for over a decade, I find it incredibly useful in specific situations. For instance, when driving down steep hills, engaging the L gear allows the engine to assist with braking, reducing the frequency of brake pedal usage and preventing overheating and wear. In congested city traffic or on icy roads, I also prefer switching to L gear because it offers smoother control, automatically maintains lower speeds, and delivers more stable power output—making it far more convenient than the D gear. Combined with the CVT transmission in the Civic, the L gear is intelligently designed to adapt to various road conditions without increasing fuel consumption. I often use it to handle unexpected scenarios while driving, and adopting this habit has noticeably extended the lifespan of my brake pads. Remember, the L gear isn’t designed for high-speed driving; it’s primarily for situations requiring speed control. If unsure how to operate it, consult the manual or test its effects at low speeds.
The L gear in the Civic is actually the Low gear, and for someone like me who loves exploring the mechanical principles of cars, it's a clever design. In an automatic transmission, the L gear locks in a low gear ratio, simulating the low-speed state of a manual transmission. The engine runs at higher RPMs but at a slower speed, providing additional torque and braking effect. Especially during long descents or when towing heavy loads, it prevents brake overheating and enhances safety. The Civic's CVT system is exceptionally well-tuned for the L gear, avoiding jerks or malfunctions. Having played with cars for years, I often use it during tests to compare different road conditions and found that proper use of the L gear can also protect the vehicle and extend its lifespan. In daily driving, combining the L gear with other gears—like using D gear for normal conditions and L gear for special sections—makes the driving experience more enjoyable.
