What do R, N, D, and S stand for in an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
In an automatic transmission car, R, N, D, and S stand for: 1. R refers to the Reverse gear; 2. N refers to the Neutral gear; 3. D refers to the Drive gear; 4. S refers to the Sport mode driving gear. An automatic transmission refers to the car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the control system of the automatic transmission selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load during driving, replacing the driver's subjective judgment of timing and gear-shifting operations. The types of automatic transmissions include: 1. Hydraulic automatic transmission; 2. Hydrodynamic automatic transmission; 3. Electric automatic transmission; 4. Stepped mechanical automatic transmission; 5. Continuously variable mechanical automatic transmission.
I've been driving automatic cars for many years and would like to share this issue. R stands for Reverse, the gear you use when backing up - remember to fully press the brake before shifting to avoid transmission damage. N is Neutral, useful for brief stops like at traffic lights to save fuel, but don't shift randomly while moving as it may cause rolling. D means Drive, the most commonly used gear for daily driving - just shift to D after starting to move forward. S represents Sport mode (not available on all vehicles), which delays gear shifting for faster acceleration and more thrilling overtaking, though it increases fuel consumption. Most importantly, never shift incorrectly while the vehicle is moving. Develop the good habit of pressing the brake first after starting before any gear operation - this is crucial for transmission protection. Regularly check if the shifting mechanism makes abnormal noises to ensure safety.
As an average car owner, I also find it essential to understand the RNDS gears when driving an automatic transmission. R stands for Reverse, so check the rearview mirror before shifting to R when backing up. Neutral (N) is used less frequently, but it's handy for temporary stops like car washes to prevent accidental acceleration. D is the default driving gear—shift to D, release the brake, and you're good to go. I prefer Sport mode (S) for highway overtaking due to its noticeably stronger power response, though it's not ideal for city driving as it consumes more fuel. I recommend beginners practice using Neutral (N), like combining it with the electronic parking brake to prevent rollback, rather than relying solely on the convenience of automatic transmissions and overlooking potential risks. Regular maintenance, such as checking transmission fluid, can extend its lifespan. These four gears essentially make driving more flexible, but the key is ensuring the car is fully stopped before shifting to minimize the risk of mishaps.
