Ok, we just bought a '99 Ford Windstar and I need to know...

The van defaults with the Overdrive (O/D) on. Should we leave it like that, since we drive it in town mostly, or should we click it off whenever we get in to drive in town.I am used to sticks now, I just don't know. This is my wife's vehicle...

PS: Basically, this is a "which is best for mileage" type question...

Thanks,

Carl

 

you should put this in the off topic but uh my dads 98 is on we never turn it off unless you pass sombody on the highway...i dunno whats best tho

 

for fuel economy leave it on. Basically overdrive is your last gear. In the 4 speed tranny that I'm guessing your van has, overdrive would be 4th gear. If the van has a tachometer you should easily be able to tell when 4th kicks in or out by going about 40 then engaging and disengaging the button.

 

Sometimes, depending on the car, the overdrive button will change the shift points. With O/D off, the shift point is higher. This allows for faster acceleration. You should see better mileage with O/D on. Turn O/D off when you need to accelerate more quickly (freeway onramps, passing lanes, etc.).