How to Use the Plus and Minus on Automatic Transmission D Gear?

[McAnderson]

Automatic transmission D gear plus and minus usage method is: 1. Step on the brake pedal; 2. Press the one-button start to ignite the vehicle; 3. Place the automatic shift lever in D gear position; 4. Push forward once to increase one gear, push backward once to decrease one gear. Introduction to automatic transmission gears: 1. P gear is parking gear; 2. R gear is reverse gear; 3. N gear is neutral gear, used when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine; 4. D gear is drive gear; 5. S gear is sport mode; 6. M gear refers to manual mode, when the shift lever is in M gear, shifting is done manually by the driver; 7. L gear is low gear.

[OIsabelle]

I'm an ordinary office worker who commutes daily with an automatic transmission car and often uses the manual shift function in Drive mode. The operation is simple: when the car is in Drive, gently nudge the gear lever to the side marked with +/- signs, and the dashboard will display the current gear number. Then, press the '+' button to upshift, lowering the engine RPM for higher speed, or press the '-' button to downshift, increasing RPM for stronger acceleration. I frequently use this function to quickly downshift for a power boost when overtaking on highways, or to shift into 2nd or Low gear on long downhill sections like mountain roads, using engine braking to control speed and avoid excessive brake wear from frequent braking. Initially, I overused it, causing strange engine noises, but later I learned to use it only when necessary, such as starting on snow or steep slopes, avoiding frequent gear changes on flat roads to protect the transmission. After some practice, I find it more convenient and fun than pure automatic mode, adding to the driving experience. Just remember to shift back to Drive after normal driving, otherwise, the locked gear may affect acceleration.

[VanReagan]

As a car enthusiast, I think the D-mode with manual shift function is a cool simulation of manual transmission for automatics. When you move the gear lever into the +/- zone while in D-mode, the system temporarily cancels automatic shifting, allowing you to manually control gear changes via buttons or paddles. Upshifting reduces RPM for better fuel economy, while downshifting increases torque for overtaking or hill climbing. I frequently use it during track days or spirited driving - like downshifting before corners to maintain power for smoother exits. In daily driving, starting in low gear on slippery surfaces prevents wheel spin. Technically, the transmission receives signals to limit gear range, but avoid exceeding redline RPM to prevent engine damage. My advice is to watch the tachometer and shift between 2000-4000 RPM for smoothest operation, while adapting to your car's shift timing as some models have delayed response. This feature extends driving enjoyment by making you feel more connected to the car, but use it only when needed rather than constantly.

[SanAnnie]

As a new driver, I initially didn't know what the D gear's +/- was for. Later, my driving instructor taught me: When you're driving in D gear, push the gear lever towards the +/- marked direction to enter manual mode and watch the numeric display. Press '+' to upshift and '-' to downshift, allowing you to manually control the gears. I use it to downshift to 1 or L when going down steep slopes to prevent the car from rolling back, keeping it stable, or to downshift when climbing uphill to add power and make the ascent effortless. On flat roads, I use it less to avoid accidents—safety first—and practice low-speed gear changes in open areas to get used to the feel. This feature is simple to master and helps control speed, especially on special road surfaces, but remember not to mess around and just return to D gear when needed.