Most people in Oshkosh can easily identify the P, R, N, and D symbols that appear on the gear shift of an automatic car, but have you ever noticed that many cars on Fond Du Lac roads, including the Ford Focus, will have extras in addition to those? For instance, what does the L on the Ford Focus Gear Shifter mean? Continue reading with Holiday Ford to find out, and save on your next service visit by checking out our service specials.
What Does the L on the Ford Focus Gear Shift Mean?
If you’ve noticed an L on your Ford Focus gear shift, and it has made you confused, then we’re here to finally set the record straight on what it stands for. L is an abbreviation for Low, and putting your vehicle in Low will keep you in the lower gears when you drive, instead of automatically upshifting to 3, 4, or 5. Usually, the L on the Ford Focus will keep you in first gear, but in some vehicles, it will upshift to 2, but only if a certain speed is reached. Sometimes L might be replaced by a 1 or a 2 on your shifter as well, which means that your car will only stay in those gears. Other vehicles may also come with an S — standing for Sport Mode — which allows you to shift manually yourself.
When Should You Use the L Gear on the Ford Focus?
Keeping your vehicle in L or Low will keep your vehicle from accelerating the way you’re used to. Instead, you’ll be locked down into a lower speed, but you’ll have access to more power when you need it. This can be useful if you’re climbing a steep hill in your vehicle or driving on mountainous terrain. You can also use it when you’re starting your vehicle on a slippery surface, since having a lower speed and higher torque is helpful in situations like this.
Get in Touch With Our Service Team at Holiday Ford
If you’re worried about the health of your vehicle, we think the best option is to reach out to the professionals and schedule a service appointment. If you’re in the Campbellsport area and think you might need to bring your car to a service center, we hope you reach out to our service team at Holiday Ford and let us know how we can help you.