How Many Gears Does a Large Vehicle Have?
4 Answers
Large vehicles have 14 gears. All gear positions: Automatic transmission gear positions include P, R, N, D, 2 or S, L or 1. Parking gear position: P stands for Park, also known as the Parking gear. Other gear positions: R stands for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive, also known as the Driving gear. Sport mode: S or 2 represents Sport mode. Low gear: L or 1 stands for Low gear, also known as 1st gear. Below is extended information explaining the meaning of automatic transmission letters: D - Drive gear: This is the most commonly used gear position. P - Parking gear: Used when parking the vehicle. N - Neutral: Used when waiting at traffic lights, for example. R - Reverse gear: Vehicles equipped with a rearview camera will display the image on the central control screen when R gear is engaged.
When it comes to the gears of big trucks, I've driven quite a few, like those 18-wheelers, and the number of gears is honestly quite substantial. It's common to have between 12 to 16 gears, mostly manual transmissions, with 10 to 12 forward gears, plus a few reverse gears and neutral. On the highway, I prefer shifting into higher gears for fuel efficiency, but when climbing hills in mountainous areas or carrying heavy loads, I gradually shift down to lower gears to keep the engine RPM stable and avoid stalling or overheating. More gears make the truck more flexible, especially in complex road conditions, but mastering the shifting technique takes practice—otherwise, beginners can get flustered. I remember my first time driving a big truck when I was young; it took me six tries to get it smooth. Looking back now, the multi-gear design is truly thoughtful, helping me drive safely for many years.
Common gear issues in truck repairs often occur within the 10 to 18 gear range, especially in manual transmission versions. The higher number of gears is designed to match engine load—higher gears save fuel during light loads, while lower gears control speed during heavy loads. I've repaired many where the clutch and gear shift lever are prone to wear, leading to rough shifting, so regular maintenance is crucial. Additionally, automatic trucks, like newer buses, may only have 6 to 12 gears but are equally efficient. Fewer gears can spike fuel costs, while more gears add slight operational complexity, but overall, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
While riding the bus, I observed the driver shifting gears, and there were quite a few positions, typically around 10 to 12. When climbing hills or making turns, the driver would downshift to maintain steady speed, making passengers feel secure. Even during occasional traffic jams, frequent gear changes prevented abrupt movements, making the ride more comfortable and smooth for passengers like me. More gears mean a more pleasant journey.
