Which gear should be used when driving an automatic transmission car on the highway?
3 Answers
For automatic transmission cars, use the D (Drive) gear on the highway. The D gear is typically the forward driving gear, where acceleration follows the preset program for upshifting, making it relatively more fuel-efficient during high-speed driving. It is advisable not to use the S (Sport) gear for prolonged highway driving, as the S gear only delays upshifting without altering other operational aspects, inevitably increasing the transmission load in the short term, raising temperatures, and consequently accelerating wear. Additionally, the vehicle's comfort is slightly compromised in S mode, so it's best to avoid prolonged use of the S gear. Highway driving precautions: When driving on the highway, it's crucial to control speed and ensure the driver takes adequate rest. If urgent highway driving is necessary, maintain a speed not exceeding 100 km/h, try to drive at a constant speed, and keep the engine RPM below 3500. Be careful not to shift into a high gear at low RPM or a low gear at high RPM to avoid straining engine components during the break-in period. Aim to take at least a 20-minute break after every 4 hours of driving. Follow road signs and drive in the appropriate lane. When overtaking, always signal in advance, check the rearview mirror, and then move into the overtaking lane. After completing the overtake, signal again, check the mirror, and return to the driving lane. Other automatic transmission gears are explained below: P - Parking gear: Used when the car is parked and not in use. In this position, the wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling. R - Reverse gear: Used for reversing. N - Neutral gear: Used for temporary stops (e.g., at a red light). Note that this gear indicates neutral, and to prevent the car from rolling on a slope, always keep the brake pedal pressed. L - Low gear: Used when descending a hill or a long slope. This gear limits the car to the lowest gear (equivalent to first gear in a manual transmission), allowing the engine to assist in braking. This prevents the driver from having to brake continuously, which could overheat the brake pads and pose a danger.
As a seasoned long-distance driver, I mostly keep my car in D (Drive) mode on highways. It automatically adjusts gears based on speed and road conditions to ensure smooth engine operation, making driving both safe and worry-free. When I need to overtake urgently or climb steep slopes, I occasionally switch to S (Sport) mode for more powerful acceleration, but I always shift back to D mode afterward to avoid increased fuel consumption. On long descents, I sometimes use L (Low) mode or manual low gears to assist with braking and prevent overheating. In summary, D mode is the standard choice for automatic transmissions on highways—I use it 90% of the time for its simplicity, efficiency, and ease of use.
Safety should always be the top priority, and I strongly recommend using D (Drive) mode when driving on highways. This mode allows the transmission to automatically manage gear shifts, eliminating the hassle of frequent operation while maintaining stable speed to avoid hazards. Avoid using low gears like L or 2, as they may cause engine overload at high speeds and damage the vehicle. When encountering traffic congestion or needing temporary acceleration, I briefly switch to S (Sport) mode for a boost, but I immediately return to D mode to prevent distraction. Developing good habits ensures a smooth and safe journey.
