Low Gear Explained
Low gear is an essential feature of most vehicles having an internal combustion engine, a gearbox and differential assembly. It enables drivers and riders to reduce the speed for safer cornering, hill starts or engine braking. It is usually found in an automatic or manual transmission.
Understanding Low Gear
Low gear provides a gear ratio of torque that’s higher than ratio of speed, so it provides increased torque to the driveshaft which in turn, provides increased acceleration and more torque at the drive wheels.
It is designed to be used primarily when the vehicle is travelling at slow speeds or in order to achieve more torque off the line. For example, when driving off-road, low gear will provide extra torque to aid in chugging over obstacles or up steep hills.
Features of Low Gear
Low gear offers a number of benefits for drivers and riders, including:
- Greater control – Using low gear allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle when travelling at lower speeds, for example, when going down a steep hill.
- Reduced engine speed – Using low gear allows the driver to reduce the engine speed and keep the vehicle going at a steady pace.
- Smoother ride – Using low gear reduces the RPM of the engine, creating a smoother ride.
- Safer stops –Using low gear allows the driver to apply engine braking instead of relying on the brakes, which is essential if the vehicle doesn’t have enough brakes to stop quickly.
Low gear is an essential part of any vehicle with an automatic or manual transmission, and understanding how it works can help drivers and riders have a smoother and more controlled ride.