When should do you use the 1 and 2 gears in a 1987 Maxima?

Normally you never need to use the 1 or 2 on the shift indicator. There are rare instances when you would want to use them. When going down a very steep incline you might want to use 2nd gear to help slow the car down and use it as a help for your brakes. You can also use 2nd when starting out on a very slippery road to avoid wheel spin. 1st gear would be used when trying to get a car unstuck, by rocking it back and forth with Reverse & 1st gear.