What does the L mean on an automatic car?
2 Answers
L in an automatic car stands for Low gear. Here are the relevant introductions: 1. When in L gear, the transmission will remain in 1st gear, adjusting the power input and output rotation ratio to low speed and high torque, thereby obtaining strong traction. 2. Introduction to automatic car gears: P gear is the parking gear, used when the vehicle is parked for a long time; R gear is the reverse gear, used when the vehicle needs to move backward; N gear is the neutral gear, used when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine; D gear is the drive gear, when the gear lever is placed in D gear, the vehicle will automatically switch gears based on throttle opening and speed data; S gear is the sport mode, making the vehicle drive more sporty; M gear refers to the manual mode, when the gear lever is shifted into M gear, gear shifting is done manually by the driver.
In automatic transmission vehicles, the L gear is a low-speed gear. After driving for so many years, I've found it particularly useful during long descents or when towing heavy loads. The engine uses low RPM and high torque to assist with braking, preventing overheating from constant brake usage. Once, while driving in mountainous areas, I encountered an extremely steep descent. After shifting to L gear, the vehicle speed was steadily controlled, and the brake pads remained cool. In daily driving, it also enhances traction when starting on steep slopes or on muddy roads, preventing slippage. I recommend beginners try it more, but avoid using it frequently on flat roads, as it can make the engine noisy and increase fuel consumption.