How to Use the Automatic Transmission D+?

[DelFaith]

Use the automatic transmission "D+" in the following situations: (1) When going downhill, you can shift up to D2 or D3 using "D+". Downhill driving requires the engine's braking effect, and gears 2 or 3 can meet the power demand without needing the high torque of gear 1. (2) Sometimes on uphill sections with sufficient power, "D+" can be used to upshift to prevent power wastage and damage to the engine and transmission. (3) When the ETC does not accurately interpret the driver's operational intent, manual upshifts can also be performed using "D+". Below is an introduction to the automatic transmission "D+": The "D+" and "D-" in automatic transmissions refer to the manual mode. Generally, when the gear is in D, shifting the gear lever left or right switches to manual mode. In manual mode, the driver can use "D+" and "D-" to shift gears up or down. Pushing toward "D+" increases the gear by one, and pushing toward "D-" decreases the gear by one.

[Bruce]

When driving an automatic transmission car, a friend asked me how to use D+. I explained that it's like a sport mode. You push the gear lever to the position marked D+ and drive as usual, but the car responds more aggressively. The transmission delays shifting, keeping the RPM higher, so you get faster acceleration when you step on the gas. I often use it when entering the highway or overtaking—it feels like driving a race car. But don’t use it too often; just stick to regular D mode for fuel efficiency. D+ is a gas guzzler—last time I used it, my fuel consumption shot up to 12L/100km. If you're a beginner, try it on an empty road first and avoid sudden throttle inputs. Remember, don’t engage it in bad weather or slippery conditions to avoid skidding. Also, check your car regularly to prevent long-term engine damage from frequent use.

[DelNorah]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I only use the D+ mode in automatic transmissions when encountering slopes or needing quick acceleration. The operation is simple: shift the gear to the D+ position and press the accelerator as usual. The transmission will automatically shift at higher RPMs, delivering stronger power output. I particularly enjoy switching to this mode when overtaking trucks on highways—just step on the gas, and the car zooms forward with a whoosh, much more exhilarating than the regular D mode. However, you need to pay extra attention to the dashboard to ensure the RPM doesn’t linger in the red zone. If it gets too high, ease off the accelerator. This mode consumes more fuel; I’ve tested it in city driving, and it typically burns an extra 1-2 liters on average. That’s why I stick to the regular D mode for daily city commutes. For maintenance, I recommend occasionally switching back to normal mode after using D+ to give the car a breather. Remember, avoid using it during heavy rain or on winding roads—it’s too aggressive and can easily lead to loss of control. Safety always comes first.

[SanTanner]

The D+ gear in automatic transmission is actually the sport mode, designed for pursuing speed and acceleration sensation. Just drive normally when engaged, with more responsive throttle and delayed gear shifting to let the engine roar with enhanced power. I often use it when speeding on open roads, feeling as if the car comes alive. However, avoid daily use as it consumes more fuel and may cause transmission overheating. Last time during a long drive, the temperature soared, prompting me to quickly switch back to the regular D mode. It's advisable to briefly engage it only when overtaking or climbing steep slopes, then revert to D mode to save costs. Unnecessary for daily city driving—it's both noisy and wasteful.

[OFelicity]

When it comes to the automatic transmission's D+ mode, as an environmentalist, I'd first remind you: if you want to save fuel, don't use it frequently. It's like a sport mode—shifting to D+ raises the engine RPM and provides aggressive acceleration, but fuel consumption spikes instantly. I only use D+ for emergency overtaking or climbing steep hills, switching back to regular D mode once I've surged ahead. In normal D mode, my city driving averages 8L/100km, but D+ can push it up to 10L. It's simple to operate once you're familiar, just note that louder engine noise is normal. Also, prolonged use may accelerate component wear, so I recommend checking transmission fluid during bi-monthly maintenance. Remember to avoid using it in slippery conditions or when children are onboard—smooth driving is paramount.