silly question about switching from D to 3 gear

[canadave]

One thing I like about my 1st gen Vibe is the "turbo button", a.k.a. overdrive button on the shifter. When going up a hill, if I'm a little short on power, I punch that button and get the instant "turbo boost" I need to get up the hill

With the 2nd gen, can I switch from D to 3 gear while driving to achieve the same effect?

[gtv237]

Yes it's the same thing. Fourth gear is the only overdrive gear so switching to third would put you out of overdrive. You can use first and second the same way.

[mbz321]

I didn't realize anyone drove their car with the overdrive off...

[vibrologist]

I didn't realize anyone drove their car with the overdrive off...

I do it on steep uphills in order to keep the transmission from chasing the proper gear.
I do it on steep downhills in order to get some engine braking.

[ImUrOBGYN]

Much like a manual trans, having the car in too high a gear under too much load causes the clutches to slip too much and the trans overheats. Heat is the #1 killer of transmissions. You'll usually find yourself turning off OD while towing or on a steep hill at higher speeds as the OP stated.