When should you shift to L?

Shift to L when you need more engine control and braking at low speeds—such as on steep hills, when towing, or on slippery surfaces. For everyday highway driving, keep the transmission in Drive (D) or the normal operating mode.

This article explains what the L gear does, how it behaves in different types of automatic transmissions, and practical guidance on when to use or avoid it. While L is a useful tool in certain situations, improper use can reduce efficiency and strain the drivetrain, so always consult your vehicle’s manual for model-specific details.

What L means in modern automatic transmissions

In most automatics, L stands for Low gear and holds the transmission in a lower gear ratio to keep engine RPM higher. That provides more torque at low speeds and increases engine braking, which helps control speed without excessive brake use. Some hybrids and CVTs implement L differently, focusing on torque delivery and regenerative braking. Always check your owner’s manual to understand how your specific transmission uses L.

Common driving situations to use L

Below is a concise list of scenarios where shifting to L can be appropriate. Use these as general guidelines, keeping in mind your vehicle’s particular transmission and manufacturer recommendations.

• Engine braking on steep downhill grades to maintain safe speeds without overheating the brakes.


• Towing a heavy trailer or carrying a heavy load, especially on inclines, where extra low-speed torque helps climbs and starts.


• Starting and accelerating on very slippery surfaces (snow, ice, mud) where throttle control benefits from reduced wheel spin.


• Slow-speed maneuvering in off-road, construction, or parking scenarios where precise throttle response is beneficial.


• Driving in certain off-road or low-traction conditions where a controlled, limited RPM range improves stability.

Using L in these conditions helps with control and safety, but it is not intended for regular cruising. After you’ve passed the need for low-range torque or engine braking, return to Drive (D) or the normal operating mode to restore typical fuel efficiency and smoother shifting.

When to avoid using L

There are good reasons to limit L to specific situations. Here are common scenarios to skip L in favor of normal driving modes.

• Normal highway cruising, where L can keep engine RPM high and reduce fuel efficiency without added safety benefits.


• Long sections of flat road or steady-speed driving, where upshifting to higher gears improves economy and reduces engine wear.


• Vehicles with advanced transmission control that downshift automatically for power or efficiency; forcing L can feel abrupt and be uncomfortable.


• Vehicles with overheating risk in certain conditions if held in a low gear for too long—check your manual for duration limits.

In these cases, returning to D or the standard driving mode is generally better for efficiency, smoothness, and long-term reliability. If you’re unsure, start in D and use L only when you truly need the extra control or engine braking.

Practical tips for using L safely

To get the most out of L without negative consequences, keep these tips in mind. They apply across most passenger cars, trucks, and hybrids.

• Shift to L only when you’re at low to moderate speeds or when descending a grade; don’t rely on L for accelerating from a stop on flat terrain.


• Be mindful of engine RPM and throttle input; heavy throttle in L can cause wheel spin on slick surfaces.


• Always return to D after you complete the low-gear portion of a drive, especially on long highway trips.


• Consult your owner’s manual for any model-specific cautions or recommended gear selections in certain conditions.

Using L correctly can improve control and safety in challenging conditions, but improper or prolonged use can decrease efficiency and, in some cases, stress the transmission. When in doubt, prefer the default driving mode and reserve L for the situations listed above.

Summary

Low gear (L) is a tool for extra torque and engine braking at low speeds or on steep grades, towing heavy loads, and low-traction conditions. It is not intended for normal highway cruising, where it can waste fuel and add wear. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for exact behavior of L in your car, and shift back to standard driving modes when the special conditions are no longer present. By using L judiciously, you can enhance control and safety without compromising efficiency.

Can I shift into L while driving?

Yes, you can shift to a low gear while driving, but it's safest to do so by first releasing the accelerator and allowing the vehicle to slow down considerably before shifting to avoid a jarring shift or potential damage to the transmission. Shifting to a lower gear while the vehicle is moving is useful for engine braking on long descents to save your brakes. 
Why you might shift to a lower gear

• Engine braking: This is the most common reason. Shifting to a lower gear while going downhill helps control your speed without constantly using the brakes. 
• Increased torque: Shifting to a lower gear provides more power for situations like climbing a steep hill. 
• Smarter transmission: Most modern automatic transmissions are designed to handle shifting to a lower gear for you at lower speeds, but a manual low gear selection gives you more control. 

This video demonstrates how to downshift in a manual car for a turn: 53sZONDO DrivingYouTube · Mar 22, 2023
How to shift to a lower gear safely

1. Release the gas pedal: Take your foot off the accelerator to allow the vehicle to slow down naturally. 
2. Reduce speed: Wait until the vehicle has slowed down to a speed that is appropriate for the lower gear you are selecting. 
3. Shift: Move the gear selector to the desired lower gear (e.g., from 'D' to '3', '2', or 'L'). 
4. Wait for the shift: The transmission will downshift to the selected gear when the vehicle's speed is low enough for that gear. You may feel a slight jolt or see the RPMs increase. 
5. Use for engine braking: Once the lower gear is engaged, the engine will help slow the vehicle down, allowing you to use your brakes less frequently on hills. 

Important considerations

• Avoid high-speed shifts: Shifting to a low gear at high speed can cause a harsh jolt, which is hard on the transmission, and some older automatic transmissions may be damaged by this. 
• Read your manual: Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for specific recommendations on its transmission. 
• Don't shift to 'Park': Never shift into 'Park' while the car is still moving forward. This can cause serious damage to the transmission. 

When should I switch to low gear?

You should downshift when slowing down for a corner, going downhill, or when you need more power for acceleration or passing. Downshifting while braking helps slow the vehicle using engine braking, while downshifting before a hill prevents overusing your brakes and reduces strain on the transmission. When driving, downshift when your engine's RPMs are too low for your current speed to avoid a "bogged down" feeling and to be in the proper power band for acceleration.
 
This video explains when to downshift and when to upshift: 57sConquer DrivingYouTube · Dec 20, 2021
Common downshifting scenarios

• Approaching a curve: Complete the downshift before you turn the steering wheel to maintain stability. 
• Going downhill: Shift into a lower gear to use engine braking, which prevents your brakes from overheating and wearing out excessively. 
• Needing more acceleration: Downshifting puts the engine in a lower gear with more torque, allowing for quicker acceleration when you need to pass a slower vehicle or get up a steep hill. 
• Slowing down in traffic: You can downshift to smoothly slow down while in traffic, or as a way to be ready for a quick acceleration if needed. 
• Coming to a complete stop: You can downshift as you slow down, and then shift into first gear as your RPMs drop below what the current gear can handle, or shift to neutral as you come to a full stop. 
• Driving in low-traction situations: For automatic transmissions, manually downshifting can improve control when driving in snow, mud, or on icy roads by keeping the engine connected to the drive wheels. 

This video demonstrates how to downshift in a manual car: 53sLife with SondurenYouTube · Sep 3, 2022
Important tips

• Match speed: The goal is to match the engine's speed to the road speed in the lower gear. Downshifting at too high of a speed can damage your engine. 
• Don't downshift too early: For a corner, wait until you've finished braking before downshifting and completing it before you turn. 
• Avoid first gear at speed: For most vehicles, first gear is for starting from a near standstill. It can be harsh and difficult to select at higher speeds. 
• Rev-matching: For a smoother downshift, some drivers "rev-match" by briefly tapping the gas pedal while the clutch is disengaged to increase RPMs before the shift. 

When to use L on shifter?

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 to be high and the vehicle speed to be low. This limits stress on your brakes while allowing you to take full advantage of your car's power in situations like towing and driving on hills.

When should you shift into a higher gear?

Short answer: When you need more acceleration or more load pulling power or if you are climbing a slope, shift to a lower gear. When you need to ride at a higher speed but with lesser acceleration (not a choice), shift higher.