What Are the Gears of an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
The gears of an automatic transmission car are: 1. P (Park) gear for parking and starting; 2. R (Reverse) gear for backing up; 3. N (Neutral) gear; 4. D (Drive) gear for forward movement, also known as the driving gear; 5. L (Low) gear for low-speed driving; 6. S (Sport) gear for sport mode. An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The starting method is: 1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it one notch to allow the car's computer system to perform a self-check; 2. Press the brake and turn the key to the ignition position to start the engine; 3. Turn on the turn signal, press the accelerator, shift to D gear, and release the handbrake.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade and have mastered all these gears. The P (Park) gear is used when parking - remember to engage the handbrake first before shifting to P when parking on slopes for maximum stability. R (Reverse) is for backing up; always keep your foot on the brake when shifting to this gear to prevent sudden jerks. D (Drive) is the most frequently used gear for normal driving. N (Neutral) is for temporary stops like at traffic lights, but never coast in N as it damages the transmission. I've driven cars with S (Sport) mode - it keeps RPMs higher and makes overtaking particularly thrilling. Some vehicles have L (Low) or M (Manual) gears, useful for long descents where engine braking helps control speed without constant brake application. Occasionally feel a slight shift shock during cold starts, but it smooths out once the engine warms up.
As a driving instructor who has taught thousands of students, I've noticed that beginners often have confusion about automatic transmission gears. There are four basic gears: P for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, and D for Drive. When teaching students, I emphasize three key points: Never shift to P before the car comes to a complete stop as it can damage the gears; When waiting at red lights for more than half a minute, it's recommended to shift to N and apply the handbrake; You must press the brake pedal to shift out of P when starting the car. Nowadays, new cars generally come with an S gear (Sport mode), which delays gear shifting to increase RPM - I teach students to use this gear for safer overtaking. Lower gears are particularly useful when descending underground parking or navigating mountain roads to prevent brake overheating and failure. Remember to firmly press the brake pedal before shifting gears - this is an iron rule.
