How to Use the Plus and Minus on D Gear?

[HaydenFitz]

The usage method of the plus and minus on D gear is: the plus and minus on D gear are the manual mode in the automatic transmission. When the gear lever is in the D gear position, pushing it to the right will switch the transmission to manual mode. At this time, pushing towards the plus direction will make the transmission upshift by one gear, and pushing towards the minus direction will make the transmission downshift by one gear. D gear is the gear for automatic transmission cars. Introduction to other gears of automatic transmission cars: 1. P gear is the parking gear, used for long-term parking of the vehicle; 2. R gear is the reverse gear, which is engaged when the vehicle needs to reverse; 3. N gear is the neutral gear, which is engaged when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine; 4. S gear is the sports mode, making the vehicle drive more sporty; 5. M gear refers to the manual mode, when the gear lever is engaged in M gear, gear shifting is completed manually by the driver; 6. L gear is the low gear.

[DelRyan]

I've been driving for over a decade and find the +/- function on D gear quite handy. Whether in city traffic or on highways, when needing to overtake or climb slopes, a simple press of the + button to upshift or - to downshift makes the car respond faster and more powerfully. Downshifting works great for acceleration, making overtaking effortless; downshifting on slopes boosts torque, preventing sluggish performance. I also frequently use downshifting to control speed on steep descents, letting engine braking save the brake pads. After use, the car automatically returns to automatic mode without manual switching. I recommend beginners practice this technique more to gradually get familiar with gear change rhythms. Don't worry about harming the car – it's intelligently designed to only allow manual intervention within safe parameters, making it secure, user-friendly and uncomplicated.

[Harvey]

As an average car owner, I find the manual shift function in D mode quite practical. There are usually paddle shifters or buttons marked with '+' and '-' near the steering wheel. A gentle push allows manual gear changes: upshifting for smoother acceleration, downshifting for quicker engine response. For instance, downshifting when overtaking provides stronger acceleration, or using lower gears when descending hills helps with engine braking to prevent overheating the brakes. These features add flexibility to daily driving without always relying on automatic mode. Of course, it conveniently returns to automatic afterward. I recommend trying minor gear adjustments rather than frequent shifts to avoid affecting fuel efficiency and transmission. In short, the operation is simple, and with some practice, you'll get the hang of it quickly.

[SanAndrew]

When driving in D gear, the manual shift function allows you to control gear changes. Press the '+' button or paddle to shift up one level, and the '-' to shift down one level. In terms of usage, downshifting can provide faster acceleration for overtaking, while downshifting on downhill slopes helps with safer braking. There's no need to use the manual shift lever; after operation, it automatically returns to automatic mode. Try it a few times to get used to it.