What are the gears of an automatic transmission?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission gears are introduced as follows: 1. P (Parking gear), the vehicle is braked to prevent movement after stopping and shifting to P gear; 2. R (Reverse gear), which can only be engaged when the vehicle is stopped. For models with a lock button, the button must be pressed to switch; 3. N (Neutral gear), used for temporary parking, such as at traffic lights, while the handbrake should be engaged. This gear is prohibited when going downhill; 4. S (Sport gear), the difference between D gear and S gear is only that the computer switches different shifting programs, so S gear can be switched at any time without causing adverse effects such as damaging the transmission. It is suitable for overtaking but not for high-speed use; 5. D (Drive gear), the commonly used gear, where shifting up or down can be completed by throttle control. D1 (or L gear), D2, and D3 are equivalent to manual transmission's 1st and 2nd gears, 3rd and 4th gears, and 5th and 6th gears, respectively; 6. L (Low gear), when going downhill, shifting to low gear reduces brake braking. When going uphill, shifting to low gear makes climbing more powerful; 7. M (Manual mode), unique to manual-automatic transmission models, allows you to enjoy the fun of manual shifting. The "+" sign indicates upshifting, and the "-" sign indicates downshifting.
I still remember feeling a bit nervous when I bought my first automatic car. The gear positions seemed simple, but I had to understand their purposes. The main ones are: P (Park), which must be engaged when parking, working with the handbrake to secure the car and prevent rolling. R (Reverse) is for backing up—always remember to check the rearview mirror or backup camera for safety. N (Neutral) can be used when waiting at a red light or during car washes, but it's not suitable for long-term parking as there's no power lock. D (Drive) is for everyday driving, where the car shifts gears automatically, making it effortless and convenient. Some cars also have S (Sport) mode, which provides quicker throttle response—great for dealing with traffic jams. I've used L (Low) gear on mountain roads to maintain better speed control during uphill or downhill driving. Beginners often make mistakes, like shifting directly from P to D without pressing the brake, which can cause the car to lurch forward and risk injury. Once you get used to it, an automatic transmission makes life easier, but remember to check the transmission fluid regularly to avoid malfunctions. Developing the habit of shifting to P before turning off the engine is crucial.
