Overdrive off in slippery weather?

Question

I drive a Toyota Corolla LE. By default, Overdrive is always on. It feels like if I turn it off during slippery/snowy/icy conditions, the car handles better - responding faster, and less "automatically" than with it on, and thus giving more "control". Am I right to think this?

Answer 1

Sometimes all four wheels lose traction.  This generally occurs when the vehicle is driven at a speed too fast for conditions.  The most effective way to get your vehicle back under control when all four wheels skid is:

Ease foot off the accelerator or take your foot off the brake.

De-clutch on a car with manual transmission or shift to neutral on a car with an automatic transmission, if you can do so quickly.



Look and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

Wait for the wheels to grip the road again.  As soon as traction returns, the vehicle will travel in the desired direction.

Release the clutch or shift to drive and maintain a safe speed.

NOTE: Avoid using overdrive on slippery surfaces.

Answer 2

Could be.

With overdrive off, you are essentially in a lower gear, which will make the car feel more responsive!!

Answer 3

In any car I have driven with overdrive, including the one I drive now, I have NEVER turned overdrive off, unless pulling a trailer.  I have never seen a reason to.  If I need a lower gear, it shifts down from OD to 4 to 3 etc automatically.  I live in winter country, and have driven in winters for 42 years.  Now, it you have a switch for overdrive, it may be different, but if it just the next position on the shifter (P-R-N-OD-D-1 on my car) like I said I drive in OD 365 days a year.  If your car feel more responsive, it is because the engine is running at higher revs.  That also uses more gas.

What should always be turned OFF in winter, as well as in rain, is CRUISE CONTROL.

Answer 4

You can switch "Overdrive" [off] when your in bumper to bumper traffic as well. When "Overdrive" is [on] it will use all the gears I believe it's normally 4 in an automatic transmission. If you switch it off it only uses 3 gears which is why you feel more power, your engine revs higher to produce quicker power.

Answer 5

well yes the transmission will help slow you down gradual because trans is in lower gear.This is OK as long as your not going like over 45. Under 40 is does not matter because OD has not kicked in yet. So if it works for you go with it.