What is the difference between overdrive and drive in ford cars? When should you use them?

Answer 1

When in doubt always leave your transmission in overdrive. The whole idea is to keep the engine rpm's as low as possible thus you'll get the best fuel economy.
Depending on how many gears there are in your automatic transmission over drive simply means the crankshaft inside your motor is turning slower than the output shaft, half shafts, drive shaft or rear axles what ever your case may be.
It all boils down to: Do I want the transmission to shift automatically or do I want to shift it myself without using a clutch.

When you encounter a steep hill or towing a trailer you can lock out the overdrive option so the transmission does not "hunt or keep changing gears".The engine will be operating at an increased rpm as shown by your dash mounted tachometer.

Drive your car in overdrive and note engine rpm (revolutions per minute) Now lock out the overdrive option. The motor will be operating at a higher rpm wasting gasoline.

Answer 2

Just a different gear ratio in the transmission. Overdrive simply means that the transmission output shaft turns faster than the input shaft, which lowers your engine RPM at a given speed but requires a higher torque from the engine. If you are driving up hills, or against a headwind, or pulling a trailer, use direct, or "Drive". In overdrive, your engine is developing higher combustion pressures and temperatures - In "Overdrive", the lubricating and cooling systems work harder because of the low speed/high torque operation, which can lead to overheating, scuffed crankshaft, cracked head, etc. However, as long as you are driving on fairly flat ground or the engine doesn't seem to be labouring, (you can tell by stepping on the gas once you are up to speed - if it seems sluggish, it may be already nearing its capacity. "Overdrive" will get you better mileage.

Answer 3

overdrive gives you one more high gear, which lets the motor spin at lower rpms while going highway speeds. which equates to less engine wear and tear and better fuel economy. The only time you would NOT want to be in overdrive is when there is a heavy load on the motor. example.... towing, driving in the mountains, or even up a long steep hill.

Answer 4

Drive is for when you are driving around town and also when you are towing. Overdrive is for when you are on the highway and need 5th or 6th gear to keep your rpms lower for longer travel.

Answer 5

overdrive when driving normally and drive whenever your pulling something.