I know it's over drive, but what exactly does it do and when would I use it? Please be specific.
2007-02-20 06:16:36 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
O.D. means, Over Drive...
Not that the car has over drive... It may be equipped with a lock up converter in the transmission.
Basically, only use O.D. on the freeway or at speeds ABOVE 45 mph. The gearing between the engine and transmission are meant to allow better fuel economy and lower engine RPM at cruising speeds. Too many people run O.D. all the time and prematurely burn out the transmission. If you have the Owner's Manual, it is explained in there.
2007-02-20 06:22:53 · answer #1 · answered by RICK C 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
With the O/D button off, your transmission will not be able to shift into fourth gear. While this would be fine around town, O/D should be available for highway driving.
There is little need to turn the O/D off. The transmission knows which gear you need, and you should only need to turn it off to climb an extremely steep grade or when towing a heavy trailer.
The above posters that say you should turn off the O/D around town are wrong. Yes, early O/D transmissions had problems with frequent shifting between 35-45mph, but the transmissions built in the last 15 years do not have this problem. As I stated before, the transmission knows the gear you need to use and will choose it for you.
2007-02-20 14:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by J.R. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With overdrive on, you have an additional higher gear available. Generally if top gear is 1:1 ratio, overdrive would give you a 0.75:1 ratio. A bit less power, but some fuel savings. When you turn it off, the overdrive gear is locked out. It should only be turned off for hills, or pulling loads.
2007-02-20 14:30:50 · answer #3 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rick's answer is great. I would only supplement it with the suggestion that you push the button when you are on the highway, traveling for a long distance at a speed faster than 45 mph. Some newer cars automaticly engage the O/D option when you go above 45mph.
2007-02-20 14:25:54 · answer #4 · answered by Marianimal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OD basically lets you drive at a certain speed at lower engine rpms and can help with fuel economy. You should leave it engaged for normal, daily driving. If you were climbing steep hills and/or carrying heavy loads or many passengers it would be better if you didn't use it.
2007-02-20 14:25:53 · answer #5 · answered by lurned1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means overdrive. That is when your engine turns 1 revolution, your drive train turns more than 1 revolution. It is a fuel saver and is used on the open road.
2007-02-20 14:26:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You would use it on the freeway driving for long periods of time, saves gas and makes your car run better at high speeds.
2007-02-20 14:25:19 · answer #7 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is for when you are in a sticky situation like a mud hole it lets the car pull itself out without you stepping on the gas.
2007-02-20 14:22:35 · answer #8 · answered by lmilli0905 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋