what putting a car in L does?

Question

I’ve read it helps with towing and steep hills, but what is actually happening and does it hurt the car by having it in L at any other time?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

It forces it to stay in the lowest gear(1st gear) and this is usually not needed unless off-roading or going up or down a VERY steep hill. It gives your car the maximum amount of torque for going up steep inclines and the maxmimum amount of engine braking for going down steep inclines.