Tech & Auto
Here's What The 'L' On Your Car's Transmission Gear Selector Stands For
By DANNY BOJIC
While most of the positions in an automatic car’s transmission are straightforward, many drivers might not know what the “L” gear actually does.
The rarely used “L” stands for “Low,” a gear that puts your car in its lowest setting, similar to a manual transmission’s first or second gear.
The L gear sends less fuel into the engine, giving it more torque at the cost of power. Although this slows your car down, there are certain situations you may want to use it.
The extra torque from using “L” can be helpful when traveling through mountains or climbing and descending steep hills. It can also be used when driving through dangerous weather.
However, it’s most commonly used for towing. “Low” gives your car more pulling power, making it helpful when hauling a trailer, boat, or another vehicle.