Which gear is the L gear in an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
In an automatic transmission car, the L gear refers to the hill-climbing gear, also known as the low-speed forward gear. When the L gear is engaged, the transmission shifts only between the 1st and 2nd gears, providing the vehicle with strong torque but at a relatively low speed. Therefore, the high torque of the L gear can be utilized to climb steep inclines, while its lower speed is useful for descending long slopes—these are the primary functions of the L gear. Shifting from D gear to L gear does not require stopping or pressing the brake; the gear lever can be pushed into L gear while driving. The L gear can also be used during stop-and-go driving to reduce the jerky sensation caused by frequent gear shifts in the transmission.
I love using the L gear when driving an automatic transmission car on mountain roads—it's basically a low gear. Last time I climbed a steep slope in L gear, the car immediately downshifted and locked into the low RPM range. The engine roared with power, but the speed stayed steady without erratic shifting, making the climb feel super secure. It’s even better for long descents—the engine helps drag the car to slow down, so the brake pads don’t overheat. But don’t use this gear on flat roads; if you floor the gas, the RPM will shoot up to 4,000–5,000, wasting fuel and straining the transmission. Remember, for situations like stop-and-go traffic or slippery snow conditions where stability matters, it’s way more reliable than D gear.
Once when helping a friend tow a trailer, I truly discovered the wonders of the L gear. This gear essentially forces the transmission to lock into a lower gear, creating a direct hard connection between the wheels and the engine, much like gripping the ground with all four limbs when rock climbing. The principle is that the transmission computer restricts the upshift range, keeping the RPM within the most powerful torque band. However, it's crucial to remind everyone: never suddenly shift into L gear while driving at high speeds—it feels like someone yanking your collar during a 100-meter sprint, and the transmission gears might shatter! The correct approach is to reduce speed below 30 km/h before switching.
