How to Operate Gears?

[StevenDella]

First, pull up the handbrake, then shift into P gear. The R gear, also known as the reverse gear, is the gear engaged when the vehicle needs to move backward. To operate it, you need to press the brake and push the shift lock on the gear lever. The N gear is the neutral gear, which is engaged when the car is parked for a short time without turning off the engine.

[OJasper]

Shifting gears is a daily routine when driving a manual transmission car. Before starting, ensure the gear is in neutral, press the clutch pedal all the way down, turn the key to ignite, and gradually release the clutch to start moving after the engine fires up. While driving, pay attention to the vehicle speed and engine sound—shifting between 2000 to 3000 RPM is usually the smoothest: for example, shift from first to second gear after starting, third gear at 30 km/h, and downshift for better acceleration when overtaking. On uphill slopes, downshift in advance to avoid stalling; on long descents, use engine braking instead of excessive braking. When parking, return to neutral, engage the handbrake, and turn off the engine—otherwise, the car may roll or the clutch plate may wear prematurely. Safety first—beginners should practice gear-shifting timing to navigate traffic smoothly. Remember never to shift into reverse while moving, as it can grind gears and damage the transmission. Regular maintenance, including checking gear engagement, is also a good habit to prevent mishaps.

[DiGenevieve]

I've been driving an automatic transmission car for over five years, and the operation is incredibly easy: before starting, ensure the gear is in P (Park), turn the key to ignite, press the brake and shift to D (Drive) when ready to move, release the brake and the car moves automatically. The system handles upshifting when the RPM gets too high. For reversing, press the brake to shift from D to R (Reverse), check the surroundings for safety, and slowly back up. When parking, don't forget to engage the handbrake and shift the lever back to P, especially on slopes, to avoid getting stuck. For long red lights, shift to N (Neutral) to reduce engine load, but never shift to N while driving to save fuel, as it may lead to loss of control. Occasionally check if the gear indicator lights are functioning properly—I once saw a neighbor unable to shift into D due to gear failure, and it turned out to be aged wiring, costing 500 yuan at the repair shop. Developing a habit of glancing at the gear position before starting can prevent many troubles.

[VonColton]

As someone who repairs cars every day, gear operation emphasizes practicality and simplicity: manual transmissions rely on the gear lever coordinated with the clutch pedal for pushing and pulling. For example, start in first gear at low speeds, then shift up to fifth or sixth gear at high speeds to save fuel. If the gear gets stuck, it might indicate worn gears needing replacement. Automatic transmissions use buttons or a gear lever: P is for parking and locking the wheels, R for reverse, N for neutral (avoid coasting in this mode), D for drive, and sometimes L for limited speed when climbing hills with hill assist. Never force a gear if it doesn’t engage properly, and check the transmission fluid immediately if you hear unusual noises—it might be leaking or dirty. Common issues like difficulty shifting are often due to misaligned pedals or rusted linkage mechanisms. Regular maintenance and changing transmission fluid can extend its lifespan. I once repaired a car with chaotic gear shifts due to incorrect wiring from a modification—it lunged forward and hit a wall upon starting. So, factory settings are the most reliable; avoid random adjustments. Beginners should operate gears gently without forceful pushes and fully depress the clutch to reduce wear.

[DelAdrian]

I just learned to drive two weeks ago. I was nervous when the instructor taught me gear operations, but it became quite simple once I got the hang of it. For a manual transmission, when starting, press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, push the gear lever into first gear with your right hand, slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator, and once the car starts moving, shift up to higher gears like second or third when you hear the engine humming. An automatic transmission is even easier—before starting, make sure the gear lever is in P (Park), start the vehicle, press the brake, shift to D (Drive), release the brake, and you're good to go. Before turning off the engine, always return the gear lever to P and engage the handbrake, otherwise the wheels won't lock and the car might roll. Once, I forgot to pull the handbrake, and the car slid half a meter, which gave me a scare. When reversing, come to a complete stop, press the brake, and shift to R (Reverse), or you could damage the transmission. While practicing gear shifts, pay attention to the shift points—don't shift too early or too late, as it can cause jerky movements, poor smoothness, and waste fuel. At first, I stalled often, but with more practice, it got better. The instructor said gear operations should be smooth and confident, without hesitation. In city driving, lower gears provide more flexibility. Remember the safety principle: don’t get distracted by looking at the gear lever while driving—using feel or sound to judge the right timing is the safest and most reliable.