What is the L gear in an automatic transmission car?

[JuneLynn]

In an automatic transmission car, the L gear stands for Low gear. In this position, the transmission stays in first gear and does not upshift. Its function is to limit the range of automatic gear shifting, increase torque, and output greater force, making it suitable for use when climbing hills. When the automatic transmission is in the S (Sport) or L (Low) position, it operates in a lower gear range, which can be useful on slopes or similar conditions. When going downhill, shifting into the S or L position allows for better utilization of engine braking, preventing the wheel brakes from overheating, which could lead to reduced braking efficiency. When shifting from the D (Drive) position to the S or L position, the vehicle speed should not exceed the corresponding upshift speed; otherwise, the engine may vibrate severely, causing the transmission fluid temperature to rise sharply and potentially damaging the transmission. An automatic transmission generally refers to a car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the transmission control system automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load during driving, replacing the driver's subjective judgment and manual shifting operations.