What Do the Gears in an Automatic Transmission Mean?

[DavidAnn]

Here is a detailed introduction to the gears in an automatic transmission: 1. P (Park): Engage P gear after parking to prevent the vehicle from rolling, especially when parking on a slope. 2. R (Reverse): Reverse gear. Engage R gear when the vehicle needs to reverse. Only shift into R gear after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Shifting into R gear before the vehicle stops can damage the transmission. 3. N (Neutral): When in N gear, the vehicle can coast. However, coasting in N gear is strictly prohibited for automatic transmissions, as it can significantly impact the engine, transmission, and driving safety. 4. D (Drive): Forward or drive gear, the most commonly used gear. Engage D gear when the vehicle needs to move forward, which drives the vehicle ahead. When in D gear, the transmission automatically adjusts the appropriate gear based on engine speed and load to maintain the vehicle within the desired speed range. 5. S (Sport): Sport mode. In S gear, the automatic transmission can mimic manual control, allowing the engine to maintain higher RPMs for longer periods, providing greater power and a more dynamic driving experience. 6. L (Low): Low gear. This gear can act as an engine brake. Use L gear when going downhill to prevent the brake pads from overheating due to prolonged braking, which could lead to brake failure.