What do the letters on an automatic transmission gear shift mean?

1 Answers
StAmelia
07/29/25 11:37pm
Automatic transmission gear positions are explained as follows: 1. P (Parking) - Parking Gear: This is a commonly used gear. After parking, always remember to shift into this gear. The parking brake will lock the output shaft, preventing the vehicle from rolling. 2. R (Reverse) - Reverse Gear: As the name suggests, it's used for reversing. This gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling. Never use the R gear while the car is moving forward, and pay special attention to accelerator pedal control when reversing. 3. N (Neutral) - Neutral Gear: Next is the N gear, short for Neutral, commonly known as the neutral position. When parking, it's usually shifted into neutral first. It's mainly used for brief waiting periods. Never coast in neutral with an automatic transmission. 4. D (Drive) - Drive Gear: In this gear, the car's transmission can automatically shift between gears. The D position is the most commonly used driving position. The numbers 1, 2, and 3 after D represent Drive Gear 1, 2, and 3, where the transmission automatically shifts between 1st to 3rd gears without shifting up to 4th or 5th. This can be used as a limiting gear in heavy traffic to avoid gear shifting between 3rd and 4th. 5. L (Low) - Low Gear: Equivalent to 1st gear, this is used when climbing hills. Since hill climbing requires more power, this gear provides greater torque output. This gear should not be used frequently in other situations. Using this gear in city driving will significantly increase fuel consumption. 6. S (Sport) - Sport Mode: In this mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at higher RPMs for longer periods to deliver greater torque instantly, enhancing vehicle power for quick acceleration. Although it allows for instant acceleration, this gear is mostly used for overtaking. Essentially, it delays upshifting without altering other operational aspects.
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