What does the L mean in an automatic transmission?

[JosephineMarie]

L stands for Low gear. Here are the functions of the L gear: 1. Increasing traction when climbing hills with heavy loads or driving on muddy roads. When climbing hills with heavy loads, the vehicle requires greater traction or torque. Normally, the car would shift up when the engine reaches high RPMs, but if the L gear is engaged, the car will not shift up and will continue to move forward at high RPMs in a lower gear. This method can also be used on some muddy roads to increase the vehicle's traction and improve its maneuverability. 2. Controlling speed. When encountering a long downhill slope, the car tends to accelerate. Relying solely on braking to control speed is not a fundamental solution, as the brakes may fail, overheat, or experience reduced effectiveness. Engaging the L gear can effectively address this issue.