Do I need to press the unlock button every time I shift gears?
3 Answers
When shifting gears in an automatic transmission car, you must press the shift button for each gear change. Benefits of the button: The advantage of requiring a button to shift gears is to prevent accidental operation from affecting driving. For example, accidentally shifting from D to R while driving is very dangerous, so this shift button acts as a safety lock to prevent driver errors. Precautions for shifting gears: When shifting gears, the clutch and throttle must be coordinated properly. Press the clutch all the way down, then release the throttle pedal, and quickly shift to the corresponding gear. After shifting, release your hand immediately and avoid keeping it on the gear lever for a long time, as this can easily damage the gear lever.
As a seasoned automatic transmission driver, I can tell you from experience that you don't need to press the unlock button every time you shift gears. Typically, when starting or stopping, such as shifting from Park to Drive, you must press the button on the gear lever to unlock it—this is a safety mechanism to prevent accidental operation. However, if the car is in motion, like shifting from Drive to Sport mode, you generally don't need to press any button. If you always forget to press it, over time it could lead to internal wear or jamming in the transmission, which can be expensive to repair. When I drive, I make it a habit: only shift when the car is stationary, with my foot on the brake, and press the button lightly to change gears. During normal driving, shifting is much simpler—just move the lever directly. In short, understanding the purpose of this button can save you a lot of trouble and extend your car's lifespan.
When I first started driving an automatic transmission car, I was confused by the unlock button, thinking I had to press it for every action. Later, a friend told me that it mainly serves a crucial purpose: for instance, when the car is stationary and shifting gears, you must press it to prevent accidental activation when moving from Park to Drive or Reverse. While driving, such as shifting from Drive to Low gear, most cars allow you to simply move the lever directly. It's advisable for beginners to carefully read the manual. With practice, it becomes second nature, so don't let habitual concerns add to your driving stress.
