What do M+ and M- mean in a car?

[OBennett]

M stands for Manual, indicating the manual gear shifting mode. Generally, the + and - signs on an M-gear transmission mean shifting gears by pushing the gear lever forward or backward or using the steering wheel paddle shifters. Below are the technical requirements for gear shifting: 1. Timely: Master the appropriate gear shifting timing, meaning neither upshifting too early nor downshifting too late. 2. Correct: The coordination of the clutch pedal, accelerator pedal, and gear lever should be accurate and harmonious, with precise positioning. 3. Smooth: After shifting into a new gear, release the clutch pedal promptly and smoothly. 4. Swift: The action should be quick to shorten the gear shifting time, reduce the loss of the car's kinetic energy, and lower fuel consumption.

[McOscar]

When it comes to the M+ and M- on cars, they are actually the gear shift indicators in manual mode, which are particularly common in automatic transmission vehicles. After shifting to M, pressing the + button allows the gear to go up one level, making acceleration smoother, like when I drive on mountain roads; pressing the - button helps downshift for faster acceleration, which is super handy when overtaking. It simulates the feel of a manual transmission, making driving more enjoyable, especially in congested city driving where it keeps things from getting boring. However, don’t press them randomly—gears should match the speed, otherwise it can cause transmission wear or even failure. Many modern car models come equipped with this feature, like some Toyota and Volkswagen models, designed thoughtfully. Proper use can also save a bit of fuel. I recommend beginners try it more, but avoid frequent shifting to prevent engine damage. Overall, it’s just a small feature, but it significantly enhances driving control.

[ColemanRose]

I think M+ and M- refer to manual gear shifting. On automatic transmission cars, there are these buttons near the gear lever or steering wheel. When the gear is set to M, gently pressing + upshifts while reducing throttle for better fuel economy, while pressing - downshifts to increase power for climbing hills with great momentum. After driving for a while, I found it most suitable for highways and curves, offering more flexibility than automatic mode. However, be careful not to let the RPM get too high, as it can damage the engine. Some owners misuse it for drifting, which actually increases accident risks. Based on experience, it's important to regularly check if the switches are responsive—my car has had no issues after years of use. Plus, this design is now common in electric vehicles, making it both safe and practical.

[KarterDella]

M+ and M- refer to the manual mode's upshift and downshift functions. When an automatic transmission car is in M gear, + increases the gear and - decreases the gear, making it easier to control power. I often use it when driving on mountain roads to save effort and fuel. Although it seems simple, it involves the entire transmission system, so just avoid misuse.

[PresleyLynn]

From a safe driving perspective, the M+ and M- buttons represent manual gear shifting, where M+ is for upshifting and M- is for downshifting when in M mode. I recommend using them only when necessary, such as preventing wheel spin during snowy starts, and avoid randomly pressing them at high speeds to prevent loss of control. Regular maintenance of related components ensures quick response and reduces repair costs. New cars are generally durable, while older ones may require more caution. This approach ensures safer driving.