Low-range and high-range gearing is one of the reasons that off-roading is a skill as well as a fun weekend activity. Good motorists know when to use each of the available gears, and they also know how soon to engage them. It takes time to develop the skill and intuition necessary to use gears most efficiently, but these are some useful background tips that can help you develop an understanding of your vehicle and its high- and low-range settings.
When to use high-range gears:
High-range gears can be found in any motor vehicle. They’re appropriate for daily driving on roads and relatively gentle terrain. “High-range” means that the gear ratio is high and spins the axle quickly but without a lot of torque. As a result, it minimizes the risk of slipping sideways and increases traction. It’s best to use high-range gearing on snow, dirt roads, and easy to moderate off-roading trails. High-range gearing allows you to maintain forward movement in these environments with a decreased risk of spinning wheels and slippage.
When to use low-range gears:
Low-range gears, unlike high-range gears, have a low gear ratio. They spin the axle slowly and with a much greater amount of torque. As a result, the car has more drive power but moves much more slowly and has less traction.
On a regular road, it’s appropriate to use a low-range setting when you need to tow a vehicle or maneuver a trailer. When you’re off-roading, use the low-range setting to climb hills or steep embankments or negotiate difficult terrain that is NOT slippery. It’s very important to remember that low-range gears offer less traction, not more, than high-range gears, so they actually increase the risk of slippage. Do not use low-range gearing when the ground is slippery or wet. Instead, use it on the toughest terrain.
Another gearing tip that some people neglect is to engage the appropriate gears before you actually need them. When you see that big, tough hill, get into your low-range setting before you start to climb. Using your gear settings this way will give you the maximum benefit from the increased torque of the low-range gear.
That’s all there is to it. Now, you just need to get onto the road and practice using the right gears and navigating difficult terrain in low-range gear. You will move slowly – don’t let that surprise you. But you will surprise yourself when you can navigate some of the most potentially intimidating paths smoothly and easily.