When to Use Low Gear

What Does “L” Mean on a Gear Shift?

 
2021 Land Rover Defender Interior
 
You might be familiar with common car gear modes like “Drive” and “Park” on your gear shift controls, but what does the L mean on a gear shift? The “L” on the gear shift stands for “Low.” What is the “L” gear used for? Low gear is used when you want the engine power high and the vehicle speed low. This limits stress on your brakes while allowing you to take advantage of your car’s full power in situations like towing and hilly driving. Learn when to utilize low gear in Philadelphia, and visit Land Rover West Chester to learn more.

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What Does a Car’s Transmission Do?

Before we go into how to shift to low gear in automatic and what the “L” gear is used for, let’s dive into the function of the transmission. Your transmission works together with the engine, regulating its power as it is sent to the wheels. How does it work?

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  • Your engine spins the crankshaft.
  • The crankshaft produces power to move the vehicle’s wheels.
  • An automatic transmission uses the crankshaft’s power to adjust the gearshift, based on the level of torque required.
  • This creates a relationship between your car’s torque and power. The more torque and the lower the gear, the more power sent to the wheels and the slower your wheels turn.

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What are the Other Gears?

While you now know that the “L” on a gear shift stands for “Low,” but it’s not the only letter on your car’s gear controls. The following letters indicate other operational modes:

  • “P” stands for park
  • “R” stands for reverse
  • “N” stands for neutral
  • “D” stands for drive

How to Shift Into Low Gear in Automatic

You don’t need to know how to shift to low gear in automatic to take advantage of it on Exton roads. That’s because your car will shift into low gear automatically as you ramp up to higher speeds. Your car will also revert to low gear when you park or stop. If you have a manual transmission, you’ll need to manually downshift into a lower gear. But if you have an automatic, your car will adjust based on your driving style, off-roading for example, and road conditions.

When Should I Use “L” on the Gear Shift?

There are many situation in which using low gear is beneficial for you as a driver, including when:

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  • Towing: Low gear gives greater power and consistent torque as you navigate Chester Springs, which makes it ideal for towing heavy items like trailers and boats. Make sure you check your owner’s manual to see what your speed limits are for low gear, or you run the risk of damage.
  • Scaling Steep Terrain: Hilly and mountainous terrain can be stressful on your car’s engine, so shifting to low gear can help to slow the vehicle and reduce braking. This keeps your descent steady and prevents your brakes from overheating.
  • Navigating Inclement Weather: Driving slowly through ice and snow can be done through low gear, which will boost your torque to maximize your control.

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Find Out More About When to Use Low Gear With Land Rover West Chester

Now that you know what the “L” gear uis sed for, what if you still have questions? Contact us at Land Rover West Chester to find out more tips and tricks about your car’s engine and transmission, and be sure to schedule your service with us in West Chester when it’s time for your next maintenance or repair service.

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