
Here are the introductions to the gears of Honda automatic transmission vehicles: 1. Parking gear and reverse gear: P gear is the parking gear: when the gear lever is engaged in this position, the drive wheels are mechanically locked, commonly known as the handbrake; R gear is the reverse gear: it can only be engaged after the vehicle comes to a complete stop, used for driving the vehicle backward, such as when parking in reverse. 2. Neutral gear and regular gears: N gear is the neutral position: when the gear lever is moved into this position, the transmission does not engage any gear, and there is no power output after shifting into this gear; D gear is the driving position (regular shifting program): when the gear lever is moved into this position, the transmission automatically shifts up and down within the engine speed range, and the shifting point depends on the engine load, the driver's driving style, and the vehicle speed.

I have been driving a Honda for over ten years, and Honda's gear design is quite practical. Automatic transmission models come standard with a P (Park) gear that locks the drivetrain when parked—you should engage the handbrake first before shifting to P; R (Reverse) is for backing up, and you should always check behind you before reversing to avoid collisions; N (Neutral) is used for towing or short stops like waiting at a red light; D (Drive) is the main gear for daily driving—just press the accelerator and go; some models like the Civic have an S (Sport) mode for more aggressive acceleration. Manual transmissions have 1st to 6th forward gears plus reverse—beginners need to practice clutch control to avoid stalling. Honda's CVT system provides smooth acceleration in D without any jerking, which I find quite fuel-efficient. For maintenance, change the transmission fluid every 40,000 kilometers to keep the transmission in good condition for a decade or more. Be careful not to shift into P or R while driving, as this can cause serious damage. Mastering these basic gear operations ensures safe and worry-free driving.

When I first started learning to drive and chose a Honda, I found the gear positions quite straightforward. In an automatic car, P (Park) is for parking after applying the handbrake; R (Reverse) is for backing up, which I practiced slowly when parking; N (Neutral) is for short waits at red lights; D (Drive) is for simply moving forward. In a manual version, you press the clutch, shift to 1st gear to start, then change to higher gears. My most common mistake was forgetting to shift to P, leading to the car rolling, but now I’ve developed the habit of always shifting to P when parked. Honda’s gear indicators are clear with light prompts to reduce confusion. I also learned to look left and right before reversing, especially when parking, releasing the brake slowly. For long-term driving, maintaining proper transmission lubrication with regular oil changes is essential. In short, with more practice, beginners can quickly get familiar with Honda’s gear system, making driving easier and boosting confidence.

Safety is the core of driving. Honda's gear system uses the P (Park) position to lock and prevent slipping when parked, but you must always engage the handbrake firmly. When shifting to R (Reverse), first check your surroundings to ensure no one is nearby. The N (Neutral) position should only be used for towing or emergency situations. When driving forward in D (Drive), avoid overusing the S (Sport) mode—reserve it for steep slopes to prevent high-speed damage to the vehicle. I emphasize correct operation to protect the transmission's lifespan, as mistakes like shifting gears while moving can damage expensive components. Honda also includes a hill start assist feature that automatically brakes on steep slopes to prevent rolling backward. Always check the gear position before starting the car—developing good habits is essential, as life is precious and not to be taken lightly.


