eli5, what does the OD button do on a car and why is it there?

Question

I’m assuming it’s the overdrive button on the side of my gearshift. 2012 Nissan Altima, base model. Everything I googled assumes I know more than how to change oil. Thanks in advance!!! 😊

In: 263

Answer 1

OD standard for overdrive. It tells the transmission not to shift to the highest gear. You want to use this when descending a hill and you want the engine to provide more engine braking.