Automatic transmission is a common feature in modern cars. On an automatic gearbox, there are usually abbreviated symbols like ‘P, R, N, D, L’. During daily driving, drivers are usually familiar with the functions of the first four characters and sometimes might not know what the letter ‘L’ on the gear selector represents.
While less used than other options on an automatic gearbox, the ‘L’ also has a specific role. If ‘P’ stands for Parking, ‘R’ for Reverse, ‘N’ for Neutral, and ‘D’ for Drive, ‘L’ stands for Low – indicating a low gear option.
This setting puts the car in its lowest gear, similar to gear 1 in a manual transmission. Although it’s only useful in certain situations, ‘Low’ means the engine consumes less fuel, yet produces more torque at the expense of higher power consumption. Essentially, the gearbox will lock the vehicle at slower speeds but transmit more force to the wheels.
When should you use the low gear ‘L’?
Though most drivers rarely engage the ‘L’ setting, there are instances where this option might come in handy. Since it delivers more torque, it’s effective whenever additional force is needed at the wheels. Drivers may take advantage of this when traversing hilly terrain or going up or down steep slopes. However, its most common use is for enhanced pulling power. The low gear ‘L’ helps vehicles exert greater force when hauling heavy loads.
Nevertheless, drivers should exercise caution as each vehicle has a maximum safe speed in the low gear to ensure safe driving. Moreover, many newer car models have eliminated the ‘L’ from the automatic gearbox and replaced it with modes like Manual, Tow, and Descent Control. These settings essentially function similarly to the ‘L’ mode but in a more user-friendly format.
