What is one significant advantage of overdrive for a vehicle?

Choosing overdrive provides the distinct advantage of improving fuel efficiency, which is crucial for both cost savings and environmental considerations. In overdrive, the engine operates at a lower RPM (revolutions per minute) for a given speed, reducing fuel consumption during highway driving. This is especially beneficial for long-distance travel or consistent, high-speed driving where the engine doesn't need to work as hard, thus optimizing fuel mileage.

Additionally, overdrive allows a vehicle to achieve higher speeds more efficiently. By having the ability to shift into an overdrive gear, the engine can turn slower while maintaining the same speed compared to lower gears. This can contribute to a smoother drive and enable the vehicle to maintain highway speeds with less strain on the engine.

Both improved fuel mileage and enhanced speed contribute to the overall benefits of using overdrive, making it an important feature in manual transmissions designed for better performance and efficiency.