O/D in the city

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Paul O. - 28 Jan 2006 20:20 GMT

Just curious, I have never used overdrive in town, but have been wondering
if it makes any difference in gas mileage to speak of? Thanks.

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Paul O.
oplholik@gmail.com

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Al Bundy - 30 Jan 2006 14:18 GMT

Depending on your driving habits and road speeds, it probably would not
go into OD enough to help mileage. And under some conditions it could
cycle back in and out of overdrive enough to increase wear. This is one
reason they advise not using it in city driving. Bottom line: you have
nothing to gain, but lots to lose.

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lugnut - 30 Jan 2006 14:48 GMT

>Just curious, I have never used overdrive in town, but have been wondering
>if it makes any difference in gas mileage to speak of? Thanks.

Leave the OD alone and let the trans do it's thing. The
only good reason for canceling the OD is if the trans is
"hunting" in and out of OD which is a possibility with some
vehicles in low speed driving around the normal minimum
upshift point for the trans.

Lugnut

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TheSnoMan - 30 Jan 2006 15:00 GMT

>> Just curious, I have never used overdrive in town, but have been wondering
>> if it makes any difference in gas mileage to speak of? Thanks.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Lugnut

There is no universal answer here as it depends on the engines power
curve and your axle ratio. Some vehicles like my 89 4x4 burb will hit OD
and lockup by 35 MPH at light throttle and pull it well without
unlocking or down shifting while others will not hit OD lockup to 50 or
more. The best gage here is if your vehicle hunts a lot between OD and
drive (or locking and unlocking converter) in town, use drive in town
and save OD for highway to easy wear and tear and possible increase MPG
too.

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