What Do the Letters on an Automatic Transmission Gear Shift Mean?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission gear shift letters have the following meanings: 1. R gear: R stands for Reverse, which is the reverse gear. 2. N gear: N stands for Neutral, meaning the neutral gear, the same as in a manual transmission, used for temporary parking. 3. D gear: D stands for Drive, indicating the forward gear. In this gear, the transmission automatically shifts between 1st and 5th gears based on speed and throttle conditions. 4. P gear: P stands for Parking, equivalent to the handbrake in a manual transmission. When the gear is in this position, the car cannot be moved. It is the parking gear and can replace the handbrake. 5. L gear: L stands for Low-Speed, meaning the low gear. In this gear, the transmission stays in 1st gear and does not shift up. 6. M gear: M stands for Manual, also known as the manual mode. It automatically shifts within the low gears 1~3, and the M gear is often used when climbing steep slopes. 7. S gear: S stands for Sport mode, where the transmission automatically shifts within the high gears 1~5. Low gears are used for city driving, while high gears are used for long-distance highway driving.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience driving automatic transmissions, let me explain the meanings of these letters. P stands for Park, which must only be engaged after the car has come to a complete stop—it locks the transmission to prevent rolling. R is Reverse, used for backing up as the name suggests. N is Neutral, equivalent to disengaging the gear in a manual transmission, and is safer to use when waiting at a red light or temporarily parked. D, or Drive, is the most commonly used gear, representing the driving mode—just engage it and step on the accelerator to move. Some cars also have an S gear, which stands for Sport mode, delaying gear shifts to allow higher RPMs. L stands for Low gear, which is particularly useful when descending steep slopes. Remember to always press the brake before shifting gears, especially when moving out of Park, as failing to do so can damage the transmission. Shifting into the wrong gear can harm the car, so always prioritize safe operation.
Just picked up my new car last week and made sure to study the automatic transmission letter symbols. P stands for Park, it's safe to turn off the engine after shifting to this gear. R is specifically for Reverse, but make sure the car comes to a complete stop before shifting. N is used during traffic jams or when being towed, but remember to engage the handbrake. D is Drive, the normal gear for everyday driving. My car also has an S mode option, which makes the throttle response extra sensitive when activated. The positions of these symbols are all scientifically designed, and manufacturers require pressing the brake for most gear shifts to prevent misoperation. Once you get used to it, it's incredibly convenient—no need to worry about the clutch like with manual transmissions, making it easy even for beginners to handle.
