How to Use Automatic Transmission Gears?

[SanCole]

Automatic transmission cars have gears such as R, P, D, N, L, and S. The specific usage methods are as follows: 1. R gear: Used when reversing, also known as the reverse gear. It is important to note that the car must come to a complete stop before shifting into R gear. 2. P gear: Used when parking, meaning the engine stops working, hence many people call this gear the parking gear. 3. D gear: Primarily used for driving the car forward, known as the drive gear, it is the basic gear for automatic transmission cars. 4. N gear: Similar to the neutral gear in manual transmissions, the principle is exactly the same. When driving and seeing a red light ahead, you can use the N gear. 5. L gear: A low gear, typically used when going uphill or overtaking. 6. S gear: Sport mode, allowing free switching between all gears.

[LaJustin]

The day I picked up my new automatic transmission car, I specifically asked the experienced mechanic: The P (Park) gear is exclusively for parking. After coming to a complete stop, press the brake and push the lock button to engage it. For normal driving, just leave it in D (Drive) gear to move forward. If you need to reverse, shift to R (Reverse) gear only after the car has completely stopped. N (Neutral) gear is for short stops like at traffic lights or when towing. The most practical is S (Sport) gear, which automatically downshifts to increase RPMs for overtaking or climbing hills. Two key points to emphasize: First, never shift between D and R gears while the car is still moving, as it can cause gear clashes in the transmission. Second, when parking on a slope, always shift to N gear first, engage the handbrake, and then shift to P gear to prevent the locking hook from jamming. I check the gear indicator lights every week when I wash my car.

[ElenaLynn]

Insights from over a decade of driving automatic transmissions: Engaging the P (Park) gear to lock the wheels should always be accompanied by applying the handbrake for added safety. The D (Drive) gear suffices for daily use, but during frequent stop-and-go traffic, shifting to N (Neutral) is advisable to protect the transmission (remember to keep the brake pedal pressed). Special emphasis on the M (Manual) mode—locking into a lower gear during long descents prevents brake overheating, and starting in 2nd gear on snowy days effectively prevents wheel spin. Watch for the tachometer needle reaching 3000 RPM as the cue to manually upshift. Recently, I noticed a neighbor's brand-new car, not yet past the break-in period, had the shift lock button on the gear lever pressed to the point of cracking. Shifting gears should never involve brute force; a gentle press with the thumb before moving the lever is the most effortless method.

[DiEden]

The three most common corrections I made when working as a driving coach were: You must press the brake and shift to P mode to start the engine, otherwise it won't start. Don't rush when reversing into a parking space—the vehicle must come to a complete stop before switching between R and D modes. Don't use S mode for overtaking for more than 10 minutes; switch back to D mode when the oil light on the dashboard comes on. Once, a student got the gear stuck in N mode during a heavy rainstorm. I had him turn on the hazard lights first, then restart the ignition and shift again to resolve it. Nowadays, new cars have shift protection—the gear lever will vibrate as a reminder if you force it into the wrong gear, which is indeed a thoughtful design.