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How to Use the Plus and Minus Signs on the D Gear of an Automatic Transmission Car?

3 Answers
BrandonAnn
07/29/25 3:56pm
Automatic transmission car D gear plus and minus signs usage method is: 1. Step on the brake pedal; 2. Press the one-touch start button; 3. After the dashboard lights up, start the vehicle; 4. Place the automatic gear lever in the D gear position to enter manual mode; 5. Push the gear lever towards the plus sign once to increase one gear; 6. Push the gear lever towards the minus sign once to decrease one gear. The plus and minus signs on the D gear of an automatic transmission car are part of the manual mode in a semi-automatic transmission, and their usage characteristics are: 1. It can provide greater traction when overtaking; 2. It can provide greater power when climbing long slopes; 3. It can use engine braking to control speed when descending long slopes, preventing the brakes from overheating.
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VonVincent
08/15/25 3:56am
Oh, when it comes to the plus and minus signs on the D gear of an automatic car, I find it quite practical, especially for a novice driver like me. Simply put, when you shift to D gear, the manual gear shift function is activated: gently push the gear lever to the + side to upshift (e.g., from 2nd to 3rd gear), and push it to the - side to downshift (e.g., from 3rd to 2nd gear). It's not as cumbersome as a manual transmission and operates smoothly. I often use it when climbing steep slopes or navigating curves—downshifting enhances engine torque, giving the car more power to climb without stalling. During highway cruising, upshifting can save fuel; for example, shifting to a higher gear once the speed stabilizes reduces fuel consumption. The car's transmission automatically prevents misoperation, such as preventing downshifts at too high a speed or upshifts at too low a speed, so there's no need to worry about damaging the engine. Overall, this feature enhances driving control, and I recommend practicing a few times in open areas to master it. Next time you go on a long drive, give it a try—it’ll become a great helper.
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DiArthur
10/12/25 4:50am
When it comes to playing with cars, my favorite trick is fiddling with the D-gear plus/minus signs! These symbols are actually the gateway to manual mode: a gentle push—+ for upshifting, - for downshifting—instantly boosts or reduces speed. When tearing up mountain roads, I often use - to downshift and rev up the engine, roaring with power, making overtaking exhilarating; on highways, pushing to + upshift keeps the ride smooth as gliding while keeping fuel consumption in check. The transmission is smart enough to adjust limits based on speed, like preventing high upshifts at low speeds to protect the engine. I’ve also found it handy on wet, slippery roads—downshifting for deceleration is steadier than braking, avoiding skids. Overall, it adds a dash of manual fun to automatic driving, with flexible, quick responses almost like gaming with a controller. Once you master the car’s rhythm, everything becomes effortless.
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