How to Use the +/- Gear in an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
The +/- gear on an automatic transmission is used for manually shifting gears. When the gear lever is pushed to the side with the +/- symbols, the car switches from automatic to manual mode. Pushing forward (toward the + symbol) upshifts the gear, while pushing toward the - symbol downshifts the gear, allowing for step-by-step gear changes. During driving, you can switch to manual mode when navigating complex road conditions. Automatic transmission cars have several gear positions: R, P, D, N, L, and S. The specific usage methods are as follows: 1. R Gear: Used for reversing, also known as the reverse gear. Note that the car must come to a complete stop before engaging R gear. 2. P Gear: Used for parking, which stops the engine from working. Many people refer to this as the parking gear. 3. D Gear: Primarily used for driving forward, known as the drive gear, and is the basic gear for automatic transmission cars. 4. N Gear: Similar to the neutral gear in manual transmissions, with no difference in principle. It can be used when stopping at a red light. 5. L Gear: A low gear used for uphill driving or overtaking. 6. S Gear: Represents sport mode, allowing free switching between all gears.
In an automatic transmission car, that gear with the plus and minus signs is actually the manual mode, allowing us to shift gears as we please, which is quite useful. For example, when you're driving in the regular D gear and feel the power is insufficient or need to control speed downhill, you can move the gear lever to the M or S position. Some cars use the plus/minus buttons on the gear lever or paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Pressing the plus sign upshifts, equivalent to shifting to a higher gear for better speed and fuel efficiency; pressing the minus sign downshifts, increasing engine RPM for more power, especially useful for steep hills or overtaking. However, be careful not to press too frequently—shifting at too high RPM can cause jerking and potentially damage the transmission. I often use it on mountain roads to avoid excessive brake wear. Remember to switch back to D gear when done, and beginners should practice in an open area first to get a feel for it.
