automatic overdrive?

[tacomaman]

I have the overdrive "off" when driving side streets and turned "on" when i am on the freeway. When should i and shouldn't i be using overdrive? Does having the overdrive on or off give better gas milage?

[NAD]

Having the overdrive on allows your tranny to go into 4th gear, otherwise it won't go above 3rd. Having it on will more than likely yield better gas mileage. Similar to going into 5th gear on a manual.

[jab]

i leave mine on all the time. it does give better gas mileage

[tacomaman]

I asked a mechanic. He said to use overdrive when on freeways
because it gives better gas milage and lowers engine rpm's. Turn it off on side streets or going up any hills even on ramps to freeways or you will find yourself stressing to get up them.

[y2coma]

when o/d 1st became a big deal....i know a lot of trannies had to be replaced because they couldnt handle the around town strains in o/d parents had a ford, with that problem but that was a ford)....for that reson only when i get in an auto i turn the o/d off around town