When should I be using OVERDRIVE?

[coco_puffz]

I have an automatic chevy s12 4x4 and it has overdrive but im not sure when to use the overdrive. it seems like everyone i ask tells me something different. so any help would be appreciated, thanks

[MagicRat]

Use the overdrive position on the gearshift almost all the time. The trans will engage the overdrive gear when it's appropriate.

The only times you would not engage overdrive is when towing a trailer (Use the 'D' or '3' position in that situation), or you are going up or down extremely steep hills.

In the very early days of 4 speed automatic overdrive transmissions,(25+ years ago) many people were told not to use overdrive except on the highway. In the city, the 'D' or '3' position was to be used. But such instructions are not necessary with newer vehicles.

[KiwiBacon]

In some vehicles (like one of mine) the "overdrive" button simply stops it from going into top gear.
Some vehicles show all the gears on the selector instead of an overdrive button. Driving around with the OD switched off is just like driving around in D3 in other vehicles.

[Moppie]

The best time to use the overdrive is when driving.

It is dosn't a lot of functionality when parked.

[TheLonelyHalfCat]

HAHAHAHA Very true indeed^^

[curtis73]

Always, except when towing.

[bobss396]

I use it almost all the time. When I'm on a steep down grade I'll turn it off to get better engine-braking. I'll also kill it if I drive in snow or heavy rain and traffic is congested.

Bob