What is over drive? and when and why should i use it?

Question

i drive a 1995 dodge avenger

Answer 1

Overdrive is a higher gear in the transmission to improve gas mileage Overdrive in an automatic transmission allows the engine to operate at a lower rpm than the rear wheels. This gives you more gas mileage but you have very little power. Most overdrives are accomplished by "locking" up the torque converter. When out on the hwy yes I would use it does help the cars gas mileage

Answer 2

over drive allows the engine turn slower to go the same speed,this saves fuel..use it all time.  it is just another higher gear..like 1,2,3,o/d--is same as 1,2,3,4.   mostly its just a marketing gimmick .The only time you would need to turn it off or not use it would be if you were towing a heavy load. and want to use a lower gear for more power. which you could do anyway.  Im sure you will get other explanations but this it.

Answer 3

on your car with an automatic, you should always drive in overdrive and let the computer figure out when to and when not to use it.  you'll get your best gas mileage with almost no notable change in performance.