Can driving 60 or 65 mph in Low Gear cause damage

Tiny
KORZENOWSKIE
  • MEMBER
  • 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250 MILES
This was a brand new car, and I mistakenly put it in Low Gear. By the time I realized, I had driven around 4 miles, but had gone as fast as 60 or 65 mph.

Since accidentally driving in Low Gear, it has felt like the car hasn't accelerated as fast as it should, and that it lingers in higher RPM's as I accelerate, only going back down to the 1xxx after I release the gas pedal. Again, I don't have any true point of comparison, mostly going based on feel compared to previous cars I've driven.

Are there any damages I should expect, and/or warning signs? Is this cause to take it to a mechanic? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 3:46 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,334 POSTS
Hi,

When you say low gear, do you mean it was in 1st gear? It's hard to believe it would go that fast in first gear.

As far as damage, anything is possible. However, if it seems okay, I would not worry. It should be fine. If something was going to happen, it would have when the engine was revving.

Let me know if it was truly 1st gear. Also, if you remember, how high did the engine RPM's reach?

Joe
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 10:46 PM
Tiny
KORZENOWSKIE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Joe,

When I say low gear, I mean rather than putting it in drive (D), I put it in L (which I thought stood for low?). So not first, like in a manual (my only gear options are PRNDL).

As for RPMs, I can't remember exactly, but I think it got up to the 4xxxs. Not into the red zone, but I think it may have stayed fairly high before I realized something was off.

Thanks for your help!
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Wednesday, July 1st, 2020 AT 6:02 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,334 POSTS
Hi,

As long as you didn't get it into the red, you should be fine. Honestly, if there was damage to the engine, I feel you would already know. Basically, you would likely hear a knocking or ticking.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, July 1st, 2020 AT 9:41 PM

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