Taken from the Owner’s Manual for the 2008 Honda Pilot:
Drive (D3) -This position is similar to D, except the first three gears are selected. Use D3 to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill. D3 can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop-and-go driving.
Second (2) – This position locks the transmission in second gear. It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop. Use second gear:
- for more power when climbing
- to increase engine braking when going down steep hills
- for starting out in a slippery surface or in deep snow
- to help reduce wheel spin
- when driving downhill with a trailer
Personally, I prefer D3. Last winter it helped tremendously with the inclement weather. And, here in Traverse City, we had a lot of inclement weather. Thankfully, I’ve never had to use Second Gear; never really thought about it. D3 is easily interchangeable with Drive ; one shift and you’re golden.
The theory behind this lower gear thing is that the engine has less forward momentum, increasing the handling/stopping ability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuZA6qiJVfU
That’s it on technical Cars talk. To tell you the truth, I probably even presented that brief, one sentence synopsis wrong. I AM not and never will be a gear head. Though I seriously doubt that’s a surprise to anyone. But, it’s not because I haven’t tried.
I purchased my first car – a 1975 royal blue Ford LTD II – from a neighbor $200. The engine was frozen, so we pushed the car from their driveway onto ours. My older brother wanted to rebuild the engine. Well, good for him. The only thing I can ‘build’ is a sandwich. Still, he felt challenged and really wanted to do it. Once again, good for him. Good for me, too. I got a ‘new’ car out of this endeavor.
Other than financing the project, only one stipulation was required of me. I was instructed to take Automotive 101 at the Community College. That was something I knew I could complete. Not excel in by any means; complete. The goal was to become more knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the only knowledge I retained solidified the fact that I was NOT and never will be a gear head. Shit, man, I can’t even change the damn oil in my car. In my defense, car design has become very complicated, not to mention intimidating. The Volvo Cross-Country has this part called the ‘Mother Board’. What amateur wants to mess with something referred to as the ‘Mother Board’?
Pause – breathe
I’m relaxed now. Besides, it’s lunchtime. I need to go ‘build’ one of those sandwiches I mentioned. Enjoy the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Za8BtLgKv8
I feel the need to qualify something regarding this skit. While it is way funny, the idea of going to a ‘Dispencary’ to fill a piñata with ‘legal’ substances – I’m not referring to the damn Sour Patch Kids , okay – is not. “Funny, but wrong.”
