I have had a few cars in the past with Over-drive etc, but I'm not sure what it is used for. I usually drive on the regular "D" when I drive, but I want to know what the overdrive , "(D)" is for? I have been told the over-drive is to use on the freeway while the regular "D" drive was for street use, but other people tell me it's the other way around.

When exactly do you use the overdrive gear, and when do you use the regular "D" drive gear?

 

D=3rd gear (D)=4th gear

In most autos 3rd gear has a ratio of 1:1 and 4th gear is even lower, thats why its over drive.

If your going to race, put the car in D and floor it and your car is more likely to down shift if your going from a roll. Any other time just leave it in (D) for better gas mileage, your car will still use all the other gears but when possile (usually when not accelerating) it will go into over drive and you will save gas.

 

Thanks.

 

What you heard about using Drive for street and Over-Drive for highway is true is some cases. I find with my car, since it's got 2.73's, OD is practically useless and almost annoying if I'm driving on city streets, or at speeds 60 mph and slower. The tranny is constantly "hunting" back and forth between 3rd and 4th, so I'll usually keep the shifter in D for the street. On a long highway haul though, OD or (D) will definitely give you the best mileage, and it's less wear on the engine.