Question about using 5 speed automatic transmission

[perpetualchange]

I've been driving my lincoln for almost a year, but I've never really used the 5 speed automatic transmision. I just stick with D5 all the time, except once when it snowed bad and I drove in 2.

I drive in a lot of stop and go traffic, so I'm wondering, would it actually be better to move into D4 for congested highway / city traffic? The manual says so, but is city driving on D4 more economical than city driving on D5? Or does it not matter?

Also, and guidance what I'd ever use 1 or 3 for?

Thanks.

 

[LS4me]

I use the SST on mountain(ish) roads; or in heavy traffic when I really don't want an up-shift. Normally, I use D5.

I used the SST all the way down Pike's Peak a few hears back. There is a brake temperature check station about 2/3 of the way down and the Ranger couldn't believe how cool my brakes were. I told him I only used them to stop at his check-point.

1-3 are good for getting out of snow and such.

 

[joegr]

Yep. Leave in D5 all the time except when you are going down a mountain or big hill.