Which gear to use for uphill driving with a manual-automatic transmission?
2 Answers
When driving uphill with a manual-automatic transmission, you can directly use the D gear for mild slopes. For steeper slopes, switch to manual mode and select 1st or 2nd gear to maintain a stable engine speed above 3000 RPM for uphill driving. Here are the steps for shifting in manual mode: 1. Press the brake pedal of the manual-automatic car. 2. Move the automatic gear lever to the D/S position to enter manual mode. 3. Push the gear lever forward once to increase one gear. 4. Accelerate and press the throttle pedal when shifting to 3rd gear to achieve uphill driving.
When driving a manual-automatic transmission car on steep slopes, I usually switch to manual mode and select 1st or 2nd gear. Lower gears allow the engine to run at higher RPMs, delivering greater torque output for more climbing power. Especially on continuous uphill mountain roads, using lower gears prevents the transmission from frequently shifting up and down in D mode, reducing jerky movements and fuel consumption. Some cars have a dedicated low-speed L gear with similar effects. Remember to downshift in advance – waiting until the car loses power is too late. For downhill driving, manual low gear is also recommended to utilize engine braking force, protecting the brake system. The key to climbing hills with automatic transmission is maintaining stable power output – don't let the RPM drop below 2000.
