What does the L gear in Civic mean?
2 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.