when to use the "over Drive" feature.?

Question

When is the "Over Drive" feature on (is it lighted on the dash board) Does it affect the transmission (in the long run) if i dont use this feature at all

Answer 1

The overdrive function when enabled allows your car to use the highest gear possible while driving at high speed. The term overdrive is used because the output speed is normally higher than the input speed. This means that you can maintain high speeds using relatively low engine rpms but at the expense of torque. Because there is less torque (power is used instead to turn the wheels faster) the overdrive function is mainly used to maintain high speed since the low torque provides poor acceleration.

Under normal use, the overdrive function allows you to save on fuel. It is a part of modern automatic transmissions turning it off or on does nothing in increasing or decreasing the life of the transmission.

The overdrive function is best used on normal driving conditions on relatively flat roads for best fuel economy. It is usually turned off when towing since more torque is required to tow and when going downhill to make use of engine braking (otherwise with the OD on, the car would still accelerate even if you take your foot off the pedal going downhill)

Answer 2

Overdrive is okay to use as long as your not hauling anything heavy like a loaded trailer or a bed full of lumber or something. Overdrive is meant to help you save gas at highway speeds when overdrive is on you will have a lower RPM at a high speed (60 MPH and up). Overdrive means that you have lower than a 1 to 1 ratio coming out of the engine to the driveshaft. If you use overdrive while towing or hauling you very well could burn up your transmission.

Answer 3

Over Drive is used for Traveling Speeds over 45 MPH, but you should use it most of the Time, as it gets you better Gas Milage. Drive is used for Speeds under 45 MPH, or if you have alot of people or Cargo weighting your Car down.

In Over Drive, you will have high Top Speed & Gas Milage.
This is good for Highway Driving.

In Drive, you will have more Accelleration & Higher Rev's.
This is good is you are driving in Hilly area's, Towing, or just Hauling a bit more Wieght than Usual.

Sports Cars will have different Shifting Pionts when in Over Drive. But most vehicles will shift the same, until surpassing 40 MPH.

If you ARE towing something, you will want to use Drive, NOT Over Drive!!!!

Answer 4

Overdrive should be left on all the time. The only time it engages is when it is needed so theres really no reason to turn it off. All it is is a higher gear that engages when you are at high speeds. It brings the engines RPMs down which saves gas and wear on the engine.

Answer 5

It is an extra gear in the transmission. Use it at higher speeds for better gas mileage. It also saves wear and tear on your car in the long run.

Answer 6

Are you driving a truck or a car? Overdrive is a feature to kick the transmission from the highest gear to a "lower" gear in order to add more power in order to accelerate. I use this to pass cars or when traveling with a heavy load. If you do not use this feature it will in no way harm your transmission. Just one of those ease of use added features.

Answer 7

it wont effect your transmission at all, and in fact you can leave it on all the time, also. Overdrive is mainly for speeds over 45 mph, and usually wont kick in until after you are up to your desired highway speed and let off the accelerator. It's purpose is mainly for increased fuel economy. Whether you use it or not, it will not hurt anything but your wallet (for gas, that is):)

Answer 8

overdrive is a feature where the gear change is delayed upon usage. eg. a normal gear will change in the range of 3000 - 5000 rpm depending on how hard u depress yr petrol or simply oil

pressing the overdrive will delay this normal gear change which results in a longer drag in a particular gear, also depending on how hard u depress yr petrol pedal.

simply put it is for overtaking of cars or when u feel like u want the gear to change at a higher rpm, which will be somewhere near your cars redline(rpm)....

Answer 9

I use the OD position all the time. The light on my dashboard is bright when the O/D is off. It won't hurt the engine or the transmission other than putting a little extra wear on the parts, but it will cost you more in gas.

Answer 10

Not really. Just wear and tear on your engine and of course gas mileage. two good reasons to use it. You paid for it when you bought the vehicle,you might as well get some use out of it.