In a manual transmission vehicle, the first and second gears are the lowest. Lower gears on an automatic car typically have the following markings, which vary depending on the vehicle: Number one for first gear and two for second gear. “L” stands for low gear.
It simply means that you change to a high gear (4 or 5) or a low gear (1 or 2). The basic rule is that you change up through the gears as the speed of the car increases and down when you need more power from the engine. For example, you would change down when climbing a hill or pulling away at low speed.
Low gear, also known as first gear, is a mode on both manual transmissions and automatic vehicles, which restricts the amount of fuel injected into the engine. This mode helps to boost torque while decreasing engine speeds.
What is Low Gear in a Car? The lowest gear in a manual car is 1st gear, followed by 2nd gear. In an automatic car, lower gears are marked differently depending on the vehicle and are commonly indicated by: Number '1' for 1st gear and number '2' for 2nd gear.
Gear 2. It is the gear you use when driving at a low speed. You'll use this gear when driving in city traffic or slow-moving traffic on the highway.
Most automatics also allow you to manually select one or more lower gears, such as Low (L), 1st (1) and 2nd (2). In the case of L and 1, the transmission will stay in the lowest gear and not shift on its own. That allows maximum power when you need it, such as on a steep hill, but greatly limits your speed.
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.
The fifth gear, or sixth if one is available, is the highest gear in a manual car. However, not all manual cars have a sixth gear. When a car is automatic, the gearbox often chooses the highest gear based on the speed of the car.
Low gear (or first gear, in some cases) is a driving mode offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. Here, the ratio between the engine gear and the wheels themselves is lowest; higher ratios correspond to higher numbers on your gearshift.
L stands for “low” gear, which translates to a gear setting of 1 or 2 (if you know how to drive a manual transmission) in most vehicles.
First gear is the largest gear, and the gears get progressively smaller as you get to fifth gear. Remember, gear ratios.
Gears 1-3 in a car have a low gear ratio, which is known as underdrive. This means they provide the best acceleration and traction. Gear 4 usually operates in a 1:1 ratio, having equal acceleration and speed capability. Gears 5 and 6, then, have a high gear ratio, also known as overdrive.
Gears can be changed up or down. This has nothing to do with the direction you move the gear lever, it simply means that you change to a higher gear (4 or 5) or a lower gear (1 or 2).
Lower gears will be easier to pedal than higher ones. Usually, these are numbered on the shifter the same way you would have on a car/motorcycle (1 is low gear, the big cog in the back, 2 is the second biggest, etc.).
When pulling away in snow, drivers should try to use second gear rather than first, says the RAC. "In these conditions, it's all about keeping the revs down. Pull away in second gear rather than first, and do everything gently. "First gear gives you the highest amount of wheel spin."
Low gear is very useful when you encounter a steep hill or extended downgrade. That's because your brakes work hard when descending, maintaining your speed and fighting gravity as you drive. In regular conditions, this prolonged stress can cause your brakes to overheat – which can even lead to failure!
Second gear works just like the first gear, except you should only enter second gear once you're done with the first. Good scenarios for second gear are when you're on a slippery road and need to lower your speed for your tyres to get a better grip on the surface. You can also use 2 for engine braking downhill.
Remember each car will be geared slightly differently, but a good rule of thumb for changing gears is that first gear is for speeds up to 10 mph, second gear is for speeds up to 15 mph, third gear is for speeds up to 35 mph, fourth gear is for speeds up to 55 mph, fifth gear is for speeds up to 65 mph, and sixth gear ...
L – Low Gear: This position is typically used for towing or driving on steep inclines. · S - Sport: Puts the car into a lower gear so you can have more power and control when accelerating.
3rd gear is an intermediate often only used for increasing speed.
The highest gear is when it's hardest to pedal, this will move your bike at a fast speed if cruising along on the flat. The highest gear is when the chain is on the largest cog on the front and the smallest cog on the rear.
If you're using a manual transmission, use second or third gear when you head up a steep incline – and don't change gears once you've committed to the climb. Failed Climb: Put the vehicle in reverse to allow for natural engine braking and keep tires turning.
4 Low is the gear ratio for slow, controlled off road driving. 4 Low is handy for steep up and down hills, rocky 4WD tracks with rock steps, snow driving is ideal for using 4 Low for maximum traction and control in the soft snow. Driving speeds of 30kph or less is the perfect time to drive in 4 Low.
You'll use 3rd gear in a car for: Gaining speed after changing from 2nd gear. When you need to change down from a higher gear to gain greater power (for going uphill) or acceleration (to overtake). When you want to change down from a higher gear to help the vehicle slow down via engine braking.
"S" is for sport. If you're driving on twisty country roads and want to keep the RPM up as you wind through corners, the "S" position is where you want to be. In "S", the transmission holds lower gears longer for more power as you come out of the curves.