Should I use L gear in snow?
In most snowy driving situations, you should not routinely shift into L. Keep the transmission in Drive (D) or use Snow mode if your vehicle offers it; reserve L for specific, low-speed situations such as when you have a four-wheel-drive system with a true low-range and you need engine braking or maximum torque at very slow speeds. Always consult your owner’s manual for your model's exact behavior.
What L gear does
L stands for Low. In most automatics, selecting L keeps the engine in a lower gear ratio to maximize torque at the wheels and to provide stronger engine braking at low speeds. The exact behavior varies by model: some cars treat L as the first gear, others use it only when the vehicle is in 4WD Low or a dedicated low-range mode.
Different drivetrain contexts
Front-wheel-drive cars without a true low-range generally see L as an unnecessarily aggressive setting that raises engine RPM and can increase wheel spin on snow. Vehicles with genuine 4WD Low-range use L to crawl through deep snow, mud, or steep grades—engage it only when required and in appropriate terrain.
In short, L is not a universal tool for snowy roads; its usefulness depends on your drivetrain and the manual’s guidance.
When to use L gear in snow
There are specific situations where L can be helpful, but they depend on your vehicle. The following are common guidelines:
- Deep snow or unknown terrain with a 4WD system that has a Low Range; use L (or 4WD Low) to maximize torque at very low speeds and improve control.
- Long, steep downhill grades where engine braking helps reduce brake fade and maintain control.
- If you’re trying to start moving on very slick surfaces and your manual/vehicle indicates L can be used for controlled starts.
On typical paved roads with light snow, L is usually unnecessary and can waste fuel or hinder traction. If in doubt, stay in D and use a lower gear only if your vehicle supports it and the manual advises.
Practical tips for snow driving in automatics
Beyond gearing choices, your technique matters as much as the gear you’re in. Follow these practical steps to stay safe on snowy streets:
- Accelerate and brake gently; abrupt throttle or braking can spin wheels.
- Keep a generous following distance and anticipate stops well in advance.
- Use Snow or Winter driving mode if your car offers it, which moderates throttle response and traction control to suit slick surfaces.
- If your vehicle has selectable gears (2, 3), you can use them on very slippery hills to reduce wheel spin; in most modern automatics, staying in D with careful throttle is often enough.
- Avoid cruise control on snow or ice, as it can maintain speed inadvertently and reduce traction.
- Ensure your tires are suitable for winter conditions and at the recommended pressure; consider studless winter tires for icy roads.
- Practice in a safe, open area to understand how your car responds on snow and ice.
These steps help you maintain control and minimize wheel spin in snowy conditions, even if you rarely need L.
Summary
Bottom line: For most snow driving, you should not rely on L as a default setting. Drive in D (or Snow mode) and use lower gears only when your vehicle and conditions warrant it—typically with a 4WD low-range or for engine braking on long descents. Always consult your owner’s manual, adapt to road conditions, and pair gear choice with smooth throttle and appropriate tires for the best traction and safety.
