
Cadillac XTS is equipped with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission. The D gear is the automatic forward gear. If the vehicle needs to be parked for a short time, you can shift into the N gear, which is the neutral gear. Shift into the R gear, which is the reverse gear, and be sure to check the rearview mirror. Shift into the P gear, the parking gear, and engage the handbrake for long-term parking. Below is additional information about the Cadillac XTS gears: 1. When starting, try to keep the gear in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake, and start the car. Starting the car in other gears can cause excessive wear on the transmission. 2. When starting the vehicle, press the brake and shift into D gear, slowly release the clutch, and accelerate after the vehicle has moved a few meters. On smooth roads, you can keep the gear in D and move forward, avoiding sudden acceleration to prevent excessive fuel consumption. 3. When driving an automatic transmission vehicle downhill, do not shift into N gear, as this will stop the oil pump from supplying lubricant, causing significant damage to the transmission.

After driving the Cadillac XTS for a long time, I've become very familiar with the gear positions. Generally, after starting and parking, I shift to P (Park) to lock the wheels and prevent rolling. When reversing, I switch to R (Reverse), being careful to check the rearview mirror to see clearly behind. For normal driving, I use D (Drive), which shifts automatically, making it worry-free and smooth. The N (Neutral) gear is occasionally used for brief stops like at red lights, but it's not suitable for long stops because the wheels aren't locked. There's also an L (Low) gear, which I engage when going downhill or climbing steep slopes—the engine helps with deceleration, reducing the burden on the brakes. This design is quite practical; for daily city commuting, D is mostly used for safety and comfort, while L can be a big help on mountain roads or when carrying heavy loads, extending brake life. Overall, the gear positions are simple and easy to understand, making driving stable and reliable.

As a speed-loving car owner, the gear setup of the XTS excites me. The basic gears—P, R, N, D—are the foundation: P for secure parking, R for easy reversing, and D for smooth automatic driving in daily use. But the real highlight is the M mode or sport mode—once switched to M, using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel to manually shift up or down, the RPM soars, delivering an exhilarating acceleration and making overtaking a thrill. Downshifting before a turn allows for quicker acceleration out of the bend. This enhances the driving experience on highways or mountain roads, far more satisfying than pure automatic mode. Other features, like the L gear for downhill anti-slip, also add to safety. The gear layout is convenient, with button-style controls for quick response. In short, if you crave performance, don’t just rely on D—try M to amplify the driving excitement.

When I first drove the XTS, the gear positions felt a bit unfamiliar, but it became quite easy to get used to. After starting the car, shift to P (Park) to ensure the vehicle doesn't move. For reversing, engage R (Reverse) and make sure to check behind before moving. For normal driving, simply use D (Drive), as it automatically shifts gears without requiring manual input. N (Neutral) is rarely used, mainly for brief stops during inspections. Other features like electronic buttons, combined with the dashboard display, are very intuitive. After driving a few times, you'll get accustomed to it. The key is safe driving—avoid shifting gears unnecessarily while the vehicle is in motion.

As someone who frequently maintains their car, proper use of the XTS's gears significantly impacts transmission health. Always engage P (Park) plus the handbrake when parking to prevent wear; shift to R (Reverse) smoothly to avoid impact. Daily driving in D (Drive) ensures even power distribution, but use L (Low) for engine braking on descents or heavy loads to reduce brake wear. Avoid harsh gear shifts at high speeds to protect internal components. Remember to regularly check transmission fluid and sensors, replacing them as per the manual to prevent failures. Correct gear operation can extend vehicle lifespan and efficiency.


