What Gear to Use for Long Uphill and Downhill in an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
For automatic transmission vehicles when going downhill, you can use gears such as L, M, S, 1/2/3, or +/-. Below is an introduction related to automatic transmission cars: 1. Overview: Automatic transmission cars generally refer to vehicles that use an automatic transmission (AT) to regulate speed. While driving, the control system of the automatic transmission automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load, replacing the driver's subjective judgment of timing and gear shifting operations. 2. Others: Automatic transmission cars typically use a hydraulic transmission device to replace the mechanical clutch of manual transmission cars, hence there is no clutch pedal. When the engine speed is low, the torque transmitted by the fluid is limited and insufficient to propel the car forward.
I remember when driving an automatic transmission car on a long uphill slope, it's best to switch to a lower gear such as L or 2nd gear, so the engine can provide more sufficient power, avoiding the inability to climb halfway or wasting gasoline by pressing the accelerator too hard. On long downhill slopes, the key is to use lower gears for engine braking, similar to L or manual mode, so the engine helps slow down the car, reducing the frequency of braking and preventing the brake pads from overheating and failing. I once drove in mountainous areas and saw someone relying solely on brakes downhill, resulting in smoke and stopping by the roadside. Since then, I've paid special attention to gear selection. Regular checks of the vehicle's gear operation are also important, as different car models have different settings. Newer cars may come with an S sport mode, which has the same effect. Safe driving is not just about operation but also relates to maintenance costs.
