How to Use the M +- Gear in an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
After shifting to the M gear, you can manually control the upshifting and downshifting of the transmission. Unlike manual transmission cars, the engine will not stall. Generally, most people who buy an automatic transmission car don't use this manual mode. The main purpose of this manual mode is to allow you to control the transmission yourself. Additionally, during long downhill descents, it's necessary to keep the transmission in a lower gear in M mode to ensure driving safety.
When driving on mountain roads before, I often used the M (manual) mode by shifting the gear lever to the M position and then controlling the car's movement with the + button to upshift and the - button to downshift. For example, when going uphill, downshifting increases power to prevent rolling back, while using a lower gear downhill employs engine braking to save brake pads. The operation is simple: start driving in D (drive) mode, then shift to M when manual control is needed—the dashboard displays the current gear. Pressing + to upshift allows faster acceleration and slightly lower fuel consumption, while pressing - to downshift provides quicker throttle response. However, avoid excessive pressing to prevent over-revving and engine damage, as the system has automatic protection. I've tried using manual mode in prolonged traffic jams to maintain a lower gear for smoother driving and added driving fun. The key is to practice and develop a feel for it—beginners should first familiarize themselves in open areas to avoid mishandling.
