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What does overdrive in a car mean?

Overdrive is a gear ratio in an automatic transmission that allows the engine to run at a lower speed while the car is traveling at a higher speed. This can improve fuel economy and reduce engine wear.

Here's how overdrive works:

* When the car is in overdrive, the transmission is in a higher gear than it would be if the car were in a lower gear. This means that the engine is turning more slowly for the same road speed.

* The lower engine speed reduces the amount of fuel the engine needs to use, which can improve fuel economy.

* The lower engine speed also reduces the wear and tear on the engine's components.

Overdrive is typically engaged at around 45 mph, but this can vary depending on the car. When overdrive is engaged, the transmission will automatically shift into a lower gear if the car slows down below a certain speed. This is done to prevent the engine from lugging, which can damage the engine.

Overdrive can be a great way to improve fuel economy and reduce engine wear. However, it's important to remember that overdrive should only be used when the car is traveling at a steady speed. If the car is accelerating or decelerating, the transmission should be in a lower gear.