What do the letters on an automatic transmission car's gear shift represent?

[DelJosie]

Automatic transmission car gear letters meanings are explained as follows: 1. D gear is the drive gear, used when the car is moving forward; P gear is the parking gear, used when the car is parked; R gear is the reverse gear, used when the car is backing up or parking; N gear is the neutral gear, used during brief stops. Some cars also have S gear, which is the sport mode - when switched to this mode, the car's power increases but so does fuel consumption. 2. D stands for DRIVE, meaning it's the driving gear where the transmission computer automatically shifts gears based on speed when the driver presses the accelerator. Some cars have D1 (L gear)/D2/D3 gears, corresponding to manual transmission's 1st gear, 2nd/3rd gears, 4th/5th gears and 6th gear. P stands for PARKING, this gear brakes the car after parking to prevent movement - especially important when parking on slopes. N stands for NEUTRAL, which should not be used when going downhill.

[VonSkylar]

When I first got my driver's license, I was completely confused by the letters on the automatic transmission. The P gear is the parking gear, which must be engaged after parking to lock the wheels and prevent the car from rolling; the R gear is the reverse gear, which should be shifted into after pressing the brake when reversing—never shift while the car is moving; the N gear is the neutral gear, which is rarely used in normal driving, only for towing or car washing. The first time I reversed, I mistakenly shifted into N, and the car didn't move at all—so embarrassing! The D gear is the drive gear, where you spend 99% of your driving time—just press the gas and go, simple and practical. I remember when I bought my new car, I often wondered at red lights whether I should shift into N, but experienced drivers said it wasn't necessary—just stay in D and use the brake, no need to complicate things. You'll get used to it after driving a few more times. New drivers should read the manual carefully and avoid reckless actions.

[SiennaFitz]

Having driven for over a decade, I'm very familiar with automatic transmission letters. The P (Park) gear is exclusively for parking—it engages the transmission mechanically to safely lock the vehicle. Be extra cautious when shifting to R (Reverse), especially in parking lots; always check behind you before shifting. N (Neutral) is used when towing or shutting off the engine, but never engage it while driving, as it can cause the engine to stall. D (Drive) is the most convenient for everyday driving, handling everything from starting to high-speed cruising. Having driven many cars, I've found L (Low) gear particularly useful for steep descents, saving brake wear. S (Sport) mode provides quick acceleration for highway overtaking, but avoid frequent use—it burns more fuel and strains the car. My advice: always shift from P to D in sequence when starting; make it a habit. Proper gear shifting can prevent accidents during tire wear or slippery roads—my spotless violation record proves it.

[VanMalia]

Those letter designs are quite intuitive: P stands for Park, locking the wheels when parked; R is Reverse, requiring careful operation when backing up; N is called Neutral, used for towing; D refers to Drive, the most commonly used gear for driving. Some models add an M gear for manual mode or S for Sport mode, delivering more aggressive acceleration when shifting gears, providing faster speed but consuming more fuel. I prefer the D gear for daily commuting—simple and efficient, while the P gear is a must when parking. Cars with electronic gear levers are smarter, reducing misoperations. Understanding these makes driving much smoother.