Why overdrive?

In our Best Bets webpoll we asked you What is overdrive used for? a. Cruising, b. Towing or c. Racing.

If you answered a. Cruising, your transmission will last longer. The overdrive gear in a transmission is not designed to be put under excessive stress.

Best Conditions for Overdrive are:
50 mph
Flat terrain
No headwind

Never use it during towing. Here's why, high speed overdrive is like asking a 3-year-old to pull a wagon full of bricks up the driveway. Neither is a good idea, and both are very bad for the puller.

So, regardless, if you are moving the apartment, pulling the boat, or delivering 5 tons of hay, save your transmission by pressing the overdrive, or, "OD" off button. If you don't have a button, pull that shifter out of "OD," and slow down. The trip may take more time, but have you priced a transmission lately?