While driving in a vehicle that has automatic transmission. You may have seen some symbols on the dashboard close to the speedometer. There are different letters and numbers, such as N, P, and L, that can be seen. If you do not know about these numbers and letters, it causes confusion. Here, we will cover details of L on the car gearshift and discuss its importance. So let’s get started. What does “L” mean on a car?
Automotive Transmission Understanding
- A transmission, also called a gearbox, is used to transmit engine power to move the tires of the vehicle.
- Some transmission systems come with different gears or speeds, which helps to perform optimization of energy transmission.
- Lower gears manage acceleration and torque that help the vehicle move and apply force on loads in a uniform way, for example, driving on a highway.
- The selection of gear according to speed and load conditions for uniform driving and control of fuel efficiency.
- Through using a manual transmission, the driver selects a gear according to the requirement, which is shown with numbers like 1 to 6 or 1 to 5 in the case of forward gears and R used for reverse gear. It occurs through pressing the clutch pedal and setting the lever at the required position.
- Some automatic transmissions reduce the clutch pedal and the conventional gear shifters.
- The automatic transmission system uses different mechanical and electronic methods for the detection of engine load, vehicle speed, and throttle input.
- The automatic transmission gearbox chooses a certain gear based on driving conditions automatically.
Automatic Transmission Gear Modes
An automatic transmission vehicle comes with a gear shifter, whose working operations differ from those of a manual vehicle.
The driver does not manually change the gear of an automatic transmission vehicle. But the shifter comes with gear modes, shown using letters, that give instructions for vehicle’s working.
Automatic transmissions made since the 1940s come with 4 modes that are in the sequence of P-R-N-D.
P mode
- P means park; in this mode the gearbox disconnects from the engine, and no gear is selected. For P mode, the parking pawl existing in the gearbox will operate.
- It stops the output shaft, which connects the transmission with the drive wheels, from turning, controlling the drive wheels for turning and making the vehicle static. Some drivers employ emergency brakes as safety purposes to stop the vehicle.
R mode
- R is reverse mode. In manual transmission vehicles, set the gear shifter at R to choose reverse gear, and the vehicle moves in the reverse direction.
N Neutral mode
- It is in neutral mode, and it is like park mode, but it does not manage the parking pawl. The output shaft and drive wheels move freely, helping the vehicle to go up a hill.
D mode
- It is in drive mode, with the gearbox selected from a gear without reverse, which helps the vehicle move in a forward direction.
What Does The L Mean On A Gear Shift?
- L on the gear shift denoted low gear, which is equal to first gear in manual cars.
- In L mode, the transmission does not change to high gears. It remains in L MODE; for high engine power, speed will be less, and for engine harnessing, torque, power and control occur.
- When we move downward, the engine transmits the signal or power to the tires. This force does not provide high speed.
- low gear is not often used, since the engine shifts to first gear when required. It is the right time; we need to manually shift the gear to first gear.
When to Use L Gear in an Automatic Car
Towing a heavy load
- the common use of L mode to control the gearbox from shifting undesirably at times when RV or trailer towing. The use of L helps the engine to provide enough torque for pulling a high load.
- It saves the gearbox from wear and tear through constant shifting.
Steep Inclines:
- L mode is good to use when moving uphill and down steep slopes. that kept the gearbox in a lower gear up steep hills, providing torque for climbing inclines at the required speed
Driving downhill:
- Lower gears provide high resistance and produce strong engine braking when you’re moving downhill. The use of L helps to control vehicle speed without using constant pressure on the brake pedal, saving pads from damage.
Low-speed maneuvering
- • A driver who requires low speed and accurate control of the vehicle uses L MODE, which controls the brake and transmission. L is used for moving in closed spaces, parking purposes, and locations that need starts and stops.
rough roads
- If you are driving on rough roads, in snowy conditions, or off-roading, L MODE is an important factor to use. Through lower gear conditions, we can get good traction, and undesired shifting to a high, fast gear helps to manage control.
When not Use L Mode
- Either shifting to L MODE is important, but during driving, do not completely rely on this mode.
- The lower gears lock to apply force to the engine for moving fast and produce high RPM. Commonly, driving with L mode reduces fuel and provides engine acceleration and transmission wear.
- If your driving conditions do not require L mode, use the transmission to go to D again.
Shifting method of L Gear
If there is a need to select a low-gear-mode vehicle, some guidelines need to be followed.
- During driving, remove your foot from the gas pedal and help the vehicle to reduce speed at 20 mph.
- For steady speed, shift to L gear.
- For RPM spiking high, a needed deceleration
When the automatic transmission carries itself, follow these points for leaving L GEAR.
- In L gear, accelerate until RPM is about 3,000.
- Change transmission again to D gear for operating the Drive function.
What happens if your car doesn’t shift gears automatically?
- Yes, the car uses low gear without getting input. When a vehicle starts and pulls out, that is in low gear.
- It also moves back through low gears when the vehicle stops at a red light. Low gears are employed for this work, and wheels move in an uncontrollable way during takeoff.
- The engine sends certain power to the wheels for these conditions.
- If your car has an automatic transmission, there is no need to shift for these conditons. but ask the engine and transmission to work with each other since they give power for controlling