Is reverse gear R or N?
2 Answers
Reverse gear is R. More details about the reverse gear are as follows: 1. Wait until the car comes to a complete stop before shifting into R gear, otherwise it may damage the transmission. 2. In an automatic transmission, P stands for Park, N for Neutral, D for Drive, and some cars also have S, L, and M, representing Sport mode, Low gear, and Manual mode respectively. 3. R is the abbreviation of the English word 'Reverse', meaning backward, hence it represents reverse gear. Regardless of the type of transmission, R generally stands for reverse gear.
In cars, the reverse gear is usually marked as 'R', which stands for Reverse, while 'N' represents Neutral. Having driven for decades, I've noticed that many new learners often confuse them, especially in automatic transmission vehicles where the PRNDL sequence places R between P and N. Extra caution is needed when shifting into reverse: the car will move backward, so it's advisable to first check the rearview mirror or camera to ensure no people or obstacles are present before gently applying the throttle. 'N' or Neutral is used when the car is stationary but not braked, making it prone to rolling on slopes, which is why I always remind friends not to get distracted before shifting to R—safety comes first. In practical driving, misunderstandings about gear positions often lead to minor accidents, such as hitting a wall or another car while reversing into a parking space without looking back. Develop the habit: glance at the dashboard indicator before shifting gears and cultivate a smooth operating rhythm.
