Which gear should be used for climbing hills in a Corolla?
2 Answers
For climbing hills in a Corolla, use the D gear, as the D gear is the forward driving gear suitable for uphill driving. The Corolla is a compact 4-door, 5-seater sedan with the following dimensions: length 4635mm, width 1780mm, height 1455mm, wheelbase 2700mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters. The Corolla is equipped with a 1.2T turbocharged engine and a CVT continuously variable transmission, delivering a maximum power of 85 kW, with the maximum power achieved at 5200 to 5600 rpm, and a maximum torque of 185 Nm. It features front-wheel drive, with a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and an E-type multi-link independent rear suspension.
Having driven a Corolla for so many years, I often deal with uphill driving. Generally, using the D gear in automatic mode is sufficient, as the car adjusts itself based on the slope. However, when encountering particularly steep inclines, such as mountain roads or parking lot ramps, I switch to manual mode and shift to a lower gear, like S or L. This allows the engine to deliver more power, making the climb effortless. The Corolla's transmission is well-designed, providing increased torque and stable RPMs in lower gears without slipping or jerking. I also recommend slowing down in advance and avoiding sudden acceleration to prevent excessive fuel consumption or engine strain. Regularly checking tire grip before driving is also important for safety on wet or slippery slopes. In short, assess the steepness: use D gear for mild slopes and switch to lower gears for steeper ones—it's practical and worry-free.
