How to Switch from Automatic to Manual Transmission?
3 Answers
Simply move the automatic transmission gear lever towards the manual transmission direction to switch the vehicle to manual mode. The driver of the motor vehicle only needs to control the speed by pressing the accelerator pedal, and the automatic transmission will also be equipped with a manual transmission function.
A friend asked me how to switch an automatic transmission car to manual mode. First, you need to check if your car has this feature. There is usually an M (Manual) or S (Sport) gear marked near the gear lever, and some cars also have paddle shifters on the steering wheel. You don't need to press the brake when operating—just shift directly from D (Drive) to M while driving. Then you can manually control the gears: push the gear lever forward to upshift and pull it backward to downshift. The current gear number will be displayed on the instrument panel. Remember not to let the RPM exceed the redline zone. Downshifting when climbing steep slopes can increase power, while using lower gears on long descents helps with engine braking. To switch back to automatic mode after driving in manual, simply shift from M back to D—it's super convenient.
When I first got my driver's license, I was also curious about how to use the manual mode in automatic transmission cars. After trying it a few times, I got the hang of it. Most cars have an 'M' mark near the gear shift. While driving, you can simply shift from 'D' to that position. After switching, the dashboard will display the numerical gear. Then, you control the gear shifts: generally, push forward to upshift and pull backward to downshift, but you should check your car's manual for specifics. Watch the tachometer for shifting; around 3000 RPM is smooth for upshifting. Downshifting gives quicker acceleration when overtaking on highways, and lower gears help maintain steady speed in rain or snow. Cars with paddle shifters make it easier: left paddle for downshifting, right for upshifting. To return to automatic mode, just shift back to 'D'.
