What Is D3 in a Car? How to Use It, Advantages, and More
Modern-day vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to make driving safer and easier. Unfortunately, these functions are often overlooked and underutilized.
A feature that’s seldom talked about in automatic transmission vehicles is the different gears. It’s understandable as to why because cruising on a highway in D (drive) mode is often enough to get by. However, the D1, D2, and D3 gears all have their purpose and use that drivers aren’t aware of. Let’s explore the D3 gear.
What Does D3 Mean in a Car?
The D3 you see on the gear stick on an automatic transmission car stands for Drive 3. Using the first three gears (gears one to three), it sets the gearbox with the third gear as its highest setting.
You’ll also get better power and a wider rotation per minute (RPM) range with D3. RPM measures how fast the vehicle operates at a given time, meaning your vehicle uses more power in D3 mode compared to other gears.
What Is the Difference Between D3 and D?
D3 prevents shifting to higher gears, while D occasionally shifts to a higher gear to warm up the engine in cold weather or when the car computer deems it necessary.
How to Use D3
To take advantage of D3 mode and its benefits, follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Start your car and use the D (drive) mode first. The vehicle will use the lowest gear possible first to provide the ideal torque for moving slowly.
- Step 2: Accelerate to 20 to 25 miles per hour before shifting to D3.
- Step 3: Slightly depress the accelerator pedal to avoid damaging the transmission. Then, press the D3 button on your gear stick to shift.
- Step 4: If you’re about to slow down or come to a stop, shift back to drive mode.
Advantages of Using D3
Like other gears, D3 was designed with certain advantages in mind:
Engine Braking
The D3 gear helps activate engine braking when traversing downhills, easing the strain on regular brakes and brake pads.
Reduced Maintenance Cost
The reduced stress on your brake system and brake pads prolongs their lifespan, which means you won’t have to spend as much time or money on maintenance.
Better Power
D3 delivers more power, as it increases your vehicle’s RPM. It’s ideal when going uphill where speed isn’t as big of a factor in driving.
Safer Drive
D3 gives you better control of your vehicle with its automatic engine brakes. It also lowers the risk of slipping because of the low speed and higher RPM.
When Should You Use D3?
Driving in D3 mode is useful when you’re driving uphill, downhill, in stop-and-go traffic, and on slippery roads.
Downhills
D3 enables engine braking, preventing your vehicle from running at high speeds. The mode restricts the airflow, which causes a high manifold vacuum that leads to your car decelerating.
This is important, especially for newer drivers, because driving at high speeds on a descent could be dangerous.
Uphills
Similar to driving downhills, it’s better to traverse uphills slowly. D3 mode helps you achieve the optimal speed to climb steep roads. Additionally, the low gear provides your car with more power to climb.
D3 also prevents slipping because it keeps the transmission in the same gear. Automatically changing gears could lead to a loss in traction, so it’s ideal to stay consistent with your transmission.
Stop-and-Go Traffic
Using D3 consumes less fuel since it prevents the car from shifting into higher gears. This is ideal for crowded cities and stop-and-go traffic for better fuel economy.
Slippery Road
D3 limits the transmission to the first three gears, which restricts wheel slippage and maintains a steady pace. It can help you traverse slippery roads where you could lose traction.
When Should You Not Use D3?
Of course, there are also circumstances where it’s better to use other gears instead of D3, specifically when driving on the highway and towing a trailer.
Highway Driving
Avoid using D3 when you’re driving on the highway where driving at high speeds is expected. In this gear, you’re using more power and less speed, making your vehicle consume more fuel relative to your speed.
Towing
When you’re towing a trailer in normal road conditions, don’t use the D3 mode, as it could increase the temperature of the transmission fluid. This could lead to overheating, which causes transmission damage.
While transmission damage on automatic transmission vehicles isn’t as severe compared to manual transmission cars, it will still make for difficulties in driving. You’ll have a hard time shifting gears, making for dangerous driving conditions.
Do All Automatic Transmission Vehicles Have D3?
Not all automatic transmission cars have D3 because most modern cars have computers that determine the optimal gear depending on the situation. Some examples of models that have D3 are as follows:
How Fast Should I Drive in D3?
You should avoid driving faster than 30 mph when using D3. Anything above that will affect your fuel consumption, as your vehicle’s using more power and less speed.
Can I Switch From D to D3 While Driving?
You can switch from D to D3 while driving as long as you maintain the optimal driving speed of 20 to 25 mph. However, it’s best to depress the accelerator pedal first for smooth shifting. Some cars also have a button that automatically switches to D3.
The post What Is D3 in a Car? How to Use It, Advantages, and More appeared first on In The Garage with CarParts.com.
https://ift.tt/2ltoHi6 https://ift.tt/JM9lgzW https://notes.io//Tzb4 https://ift.tt/FvL2oTt https://ift.tt/O8K1Htc https://ift.tt/8lKJkcU https://ift.tt/0U5qrue https://ift.tt/JaQukz5 https://ift.tt/coADWkE https://ift.tt/rWZ7uSB https://ift.tt/uwUeyaj https://ift.tt/5Vgv0P2 https://ift.tt/m1Ru9KL https://ift.tt/ZvhnLrf https://notes.io//Tzxx https://ift.tt/SY2paRe https://ift.tt/0uzIeDc https://ift.tt/idFQhIY https://ift.tt/Nzg2tnM https://ift.tt/NAPGxmy https://ift.tt/PieLnYa https://ift.tt/xBXdVWA https://ift.tt/0fPL3HB https://ift.tt/oNhAFLK https://ift.tt/ewMFUIV https://ift.tt/Pl58ebw https://ift.tt/J1Sh2QL https://notes.io//TzdJ https://ift.tt/znZgLMT https://ift.tt/rnhHSBR https://ift.tt/eGnhjDp https://ift.tt/h9GnwUR https://ift.tt/K6VvRP8 https://ift.tt/WD0R8ko https://ift.tt/T3KOpg2 https://ift.tt/flVhQev https://ift.tt/jDF6mtl https://ift.tt/VKeDZQB https://ift.tt/ZL5hDtF https://ift.tt/SmAjQg7 https://ift.tt/0zGdv6I https://notes.io//Tzdn https://ift.tt/Xgdb8hw https://ift.tt/lQI70LC https://ift.tt/O5SVkEY https://ift.tt/phiOXuP https://ift.tt/WHQ4Z8b https://ift.tt/biSrAfG https://ift.tt/8f4iKbd https://ift.tt/Xi4TzYS https://ift.tt/gODEXPx https://ift.tt/h9OvopZ https://ift.tt/GX5hIKw https://ift.tt/vuNcIzQ https://ift.tt/jei18mT https://notes.io//Tzdm https://ift.tt/uVAD3sG https://ift.tt/RMiKCws https://ift.tt/O5SVkEY https://ift.tt/L8Bz7Kp https://ift.tt/Yr30dpo https://ift.tt/nRo9KzN https://ift.tt/9zSZ2rq https://ift.tt/zjULQNZ https://ift.tt/zMPY4fR https://ift.tt/udq3vVf https://ift.tt/yIbcLVK https://ift.tt/6AsSdQU https://ift.tt/IocYKSz https://notes.io//TzxT https://ift.tt/aYgyse2 https://ift.tt/4VYum7C https://ift.tt/JtHwc08 https://ift.tt/YMQrRdL https://ift.tt/lrILP06 https://ift.tt/0SwXFtG https://ift.tt/UGR5g8j https://ift.tt/Zydok81 https://ift.tt/KWA9kVn https://ift.tt/ES3R4Ba https://ift.tt/6tfXs7E https://ift.tt/D5T4q0h https://ift.tt/NmkoKvC https://notes.io//TzhL https://ift.tt/HRoN2t8 https://ift.tt/Ej2imYo https://ift.tt/XZ3cPTf https://ift.tt/ERrW0xo https://ift.tt/whSo387 https://ift.tt/XLBva01 https://ift.tt/z9mMcgl https://ift.tt/VIbX6h9 https://ift.tt/GZLKgj6 https://ift.tt/ihLuMvT https://ift.tt/15rySfq https://notes.io//Tzdb https://ift.tt/OEQKo59 https://ift.tt/kq8Vehp https://ift.tt/pjDH4z2 https://ift.tt/EGYF9AI https://ift.tt/j0To1nR https://ift.tt/8PkWowl https://ift.tt/aXm2eqE https://ift.tt/XV9vUus https://ift.tt/16yhtIP https://ift.tt/Ms7N2rt https://ift.tt/RUCSilo https://ift.tt/xqlfQVa https://ift.tt/wVJCZuz https://notes.io//TzsQ https://ift.tt/jI6KEry https://ift.tt/zdN0sPp https://ift.tt/r64TG0f https://ift.tt/y3m2Ydj https://ift.tt/lqvnBZt https://ift.tt/Y5dXezn https://ift.tt/yap1tEG https://ift.tt/HP2cMvT https://ift.tt/9enok5c https://ift.tt/OqWmwEu https://ift.tt/0TkPRlo https://ift.tt/rAbsWwD https://ift.tt/6ZSmqwx https://notes.io//Tzdq https://ift.tt/8wxQ3PR https://ift.tt/usxHGMw https://ift.tt/8oVbCmI https://ift.tt/CkVUDxc https://ift.tt/t32wIpm https://ift.tt/hKXG7b5 https://ift.tt/iE03Xrx https://ift.tt/yS68d34 https://ift.tt/k3ilaSq https://ift.tt/YCzGfIR https://ift.tt/wrAOEk9 https://ift.tt/Phb4njU https://ift.tt/uitAXjN https://notes.io//Tzja https://ift.tt/PiL1JEp https://ift.tt/LqWJQVI https://ift.tt/0N482eW https://ift.tt/NzkfM9E https://ift.tt/G3h51Rv https://ift.tt/qWLXNTw https://ift.tt/dzt5X2C https://ift.tt/QD1yChx https://ift.tt/mA3q70h https://ift.tt/KP5b6tY https://ift.tt/8YuvEN9 https://ift.tt/s8HbykG https://ift.tt/XH0thWc https://notes.io//TzdH https://ift.tt/yDRX2qs https://ift.tt/eV0hKr8 https://ift.tt/UQGfm08 https://ift.tt/umQt2By https://ift.tt/kSY6Buy https://ift.tt/eCbYZcu https://ift.tt/rxfphNa https://ift.tt/yCmUrde https://ift.tt/78EmPlx https://ift.tt/2vphTw6 https://ift.tt/zJ0C1Hu https://ift.tt/Ej2dxbK https://notes.io//TzpE https://ift.tt/NVCWSXy https://ift.tt/R2Q1Low https://ift.tt/2hTF0VR https://ift.tt/X8kVQPg https://ift.tt/VExd631 https://ift.tt/nC7Jt9V https://ift.tt/eNVTsvC https://ift.tt/5XZAW8f https://ift.tt/sAJHxm3 https://ift.tt/o2TlvZH https://ift.tt/p1zYLTM https://ift.tt/jI9eqxm https://ift.tt/aAkplXJ https://notes.io//TzpN https://ift.tt/hiKdRfx https://ift.tt/TDkQy82 https://ift.tt/NgRDEcB https://ift.tt/4f0eTAQ https://ift.tt/INV3WSg https://ift.tt/y6amTfN https://ift.tt/o2nJP9T https://ift.tt/btTF0uz https://ift.tt/NlgvJHd https://ift.tt/BdfHQMO https://ift.tt/cap6GyA https://ift.tt/W9onOGe https://ift.tt/uIiRrgE https://notes.io//Tzsb https://ift.tt/EJoYCWP https://ift.tt/mPCwgk1 https://ift.tt/1dalRSi https://ift.tt/pGZsnP5 https://ift.tt/Cow2YX9 https://ift.tt/tVQTb5k https://ift.tt/CUmgDfl https://ift.tt/s5lrGIV https://ift.tt/m3PTqiN https://ift.tt/wcI7NVy https://ift.tt/Lcdmkub https://ift.tt/8XG7VwE https://ift.tt/fuYkcgZ https://notes.io//Tzat https://ift.tt/VbkFZMi https://ift.tt/bSW90wN https://ift.tt/hum7Gcw https://ift.tt/cxZtfjE https://ift.tt/baGH1ZB https://ift.tt/eB8pJDb https://ift.tt/xBCVcnw https://ift.tt/xBIufPE https://ift.tt/KlqQUgD https://ift.tt/TFmhAp0 https://ift.tt/OrybWnT https://ift.tt/iqmecfw https://ift.tt/l5ceTw6 https://notes.io//TzpW https://ift.tt/8pYEP7j https://ift.tt/YQWvSTE https://ift.tt/MFoDTfU https://ift.tt/X8kVQPg https://ift.tt/RqLS1rp https://ift.tt/gTFI0a1 https://ift.tt/MVg2mdj https://ift.tt/xYwNzmS https://ift.tt/9nS8UZb https://ift.tt/crPZzOC https://ift.tt/41Oiz2d
Comments
Post a Comment