How to use the M gear plus and minus?
4 Answers
When using the manual shift mode, you need to switch the gear lever to the "M" position. While driving, you can directly shift into the M gear. When the vehicle brakes or decelerates, the transmission will automatically downshift. The driver does not need to manually downshift unless encountering a situation that requires forced downshifting. When overtaking, switching to the M gear and stepping on the accelerator allows the vehicle to utilize the high torque of lower gears for instant acceleration, completing the overtaking maneuver more quickly.
I've been driving for many years and feel that using the M gear for shifting makes driving more flexible and gives a strong sense of control. The operation is simple: after shifting into M gear, push the gear lever up to upshift and down to downshift; some cars have paddle shifters on the steering wheel—pull left to upshift and right to downshift. Timing is crucial—shifting up between 2000-3000 RPM ensures the smoothest transition, and downshifting while going downhill helps with engine braking and saves your brakes. However, beginners should avoid reckless shifting on highways, as it can be dangerous. It's best to practice a few times on smooth roads to get familiar with the feel before using it on mountain climbs or for overtaking, as the car responds faster and saves fuel. Also, cars have protective mechanisms, so don't worry about damaging the transmission from mistakes; regular transmission maintenance is still recommended. In short, mastering the M gear enhances driving pleasure while keeping it safe.
My new car comes with an M mode, which I was initially hesitant to try, but later found it incredibly fun! After shifting to M mode, pushing the lever forward upshifts, while pulling it back downshifts—it's as simple as playing a manual transmission game. The first time I downshifted on a downhill mountain road, the car decelerated smoothly without needing to brake hard; accelerating and upshifting felt even more exhilarating. Just be careful not to shift gears while flooring the throttle at high RPMs, as it can damage the transmission. Beginners should practice first on quiet urban roads. Later, try M mode on the highway—shifting becomes buttery smooth, and fuel efficiency even improves slightly. The car manual says it has a wide safe range, but for extra caution, I always check the gear and engine temperature before using it. After a few more tries, you'll love this feature too.
When you want to shift gears manually while driving, simply switch to M mode. The operation is super straightforward: push the lever upward or in a specific direction to shift up or down. Depending on the car model, some require pushing forward to upshift and pulling backward to downshift—just remember the direction of the operation symbols. While automatic mode is convenient for daily use, switching to M when going downhill or accelerating allows you to downshift for better stability and efficiency. Don’t stress too much about the timing—the car is designed with self-protection in mind. However, it’s advisable to adjust based on the tachometer: downshift when RPMs are too high, and upshift when they’re too low. Try it out, and you’ll see how convenient it is.
