What is the use of L gear?
2 Answers
L gear is a low-speed gear that can be used when going up or down steep slopes. When L gear is engaged, the transmission will maintain a lower gear without upshifting. In low gear, the torque on the wheels increases, making it more suitable for climbing slopes. When descending a slope, engaging L gear allows the use of engine braking to slow down the vehicle. Some models on the market may have L1 or L2 marked on the L gear, corresponding to the restricted gear levels. The vehicle will not shift above the restricted gear, but it can only be engaged at sufficiently slow speeds; otherwise, the transmission will not respond to the gear-shifting operation.
The L gear is the low gear on an automatic transmission car, especially useful when driving downhill. After driving for so many years, I always use it on mountain roads, like when descending steep slopes. If you keep pressing the brake, the brake pads can overheat and fail. Switching to L gear allows the engine to assist in slowing down, reducing the need to constantly brake while maintaining stable speed control. I remember once during a trip on a long continuous downhill, my friend's car almost had an accident due to brake failure, but I immediately switched to L gear and regained control. It's rarely used on flat roads or in city driving, but it can also be helpful in rainy or snowy conditions or when towing heavy loads to improve traction. The operation is simple—just shift the gear lever to the L position—but make sure not to drive too fast, as high engine RPMs can damage the car. In short, it's an essential safety skill for driving, and I recommend both beginners and experienced drivers master its use.
