How to Use M1 and M2 in Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
How to use M1 and M2 in automatic transmission: 1. M1 is the first gear in manual mode, and M2 is the second gear in manual mode; 2. Use M1 for normal starting or climbing steep slopes, with the speed generally around 10 km/h. Use M2 for acceleration after starting, driving at low speed near other vehicles, or climbing steep slopes, with the speed generally around 20 km/h. You can directly switch between M mode and D mode without any time or RPM restrictions. The transmission will automatically match the appropriate gear based on the real-time speed. Automatic transmission usually refers to the car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the automatic transmission control system selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load during driving, replacing the driver's subjective judgment and gear-shifting operations.
I usually drive an automatic transmission car and often use the M mode. M1 and M2 are essentially the lower gears in manual mode. For example, when descending steep mountain roads, shifting to M2 can clearly feel the engine helping to hold back the speed, reducing the need to constantly press the brake and avoiding overheating and failure of the brake pads. When climbing steep slopes, switching to M1 provides more power, preventing the car from feeling sluggish. The operation is quite simple: just shift from D mode to the side to enter manual mode, then push forward to upshift and pull back to downshift. To use M1, pull once, and the dashboard will display the number 1. When driving on snow, starting in M2 is the most stable and less likely to cause skidding. Remember not to suddenly shift to M1 at high speeds, as it can damage the transmission.
When I first started using the M mode, I spent a lot of time studying it and found M1 and M2 to be extremely practical. For example, when descending a spiral ramp in an underground garage, switching to M1 automatically limits the speed to under 15 km/h, eliminating the need to brake. The operation varies slightly between different cars: in the car I drive, you need to push the gear lever to the left while in D mode, and a click sound indicates entry into manual mode. Pushing the lever up shifts up, and pushing it down shifts down. When in M2, it automatically restricts to within 2nd gear, and the engine RPM noticeably increases. This mode is particularly useful for escaping muddy situations; once when I was stuck, switching to M1 and giving it a couple of revs got me out. Be careful not to force M1 when the speed is above 40 km/h, or the transmission will protest.
