Which gear to use for automatic transmission when going up and down mountains?
2 Answers
For automatic transmission vehicles when going up and down slopes, you can use gears such as L, M, S, 1/2/3, or +/-. The main purpose is to keep the engine at low speed while still providing a braking effect. Especially when going down long slopes, keeping the brake pressed for extended periods while in D gear can easily cause the brake pads to overheat and lose braking effectiveness, which in severe cases may affect safety. Introduction to automatic transmission: Automatic transmission, as the name suggests, does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. How automatic transmission works: The engine's power is transmitted through the gearbox, which is also a key factor affecting fuel consumption. Generally, automatic transmissions consume 10% more fuel than manual transmissions. Whether manual or automatic, the more gears a transmission has, the more fuel-efficient it is.
As an enthusiast of mountain road driving, I always switch to L or S gear when driving an automatic transmission car up and down hills. Using lower gears when ascending helps increase engine RPM, providing stronger torque and making the climb more effortless. When descending, especially on steep or continuous long slopes, lower gears enable engine braking, automatically slowing the car down without frequent brake usage, preventing brake pad overheating and failure. Remember to shift gears in advance rather than waiting for emergencies, and adjust speed according to the slope—like maintaining a slower pace on slippery roads to avoid losing control. Once, I nearly had an accident driving in a valley using only D gear, but since developing this habit, it's been much safer. Shifting is simple—just move the gear lever when stopped or at low speeds, and with practice, it becomes second nature. Safe driving is paramount; don’t neglect gear selection for convenience.
