What do the letters on an automatic transmission represent?
2 Answers
The letters on an automatic transmission represent the following: 1. D (Drive) - This is the most commonly used gear for normal driving; 2. P (Park) - Used when parking the vehicle; 3. N (Neutral) - This gear is rarely used, typically when waiting at traffic lights; 4. R (Reverse) - Used for backing up, and when engaged, the rearview camera display appears on the central control screen; 5. L (Low) - Used when climbing hills to provide more power; 6. S (Sport) - Enhances the vehicle's adaptability and acceleration performance. Precautions for driving an automatic transmission car: 1. For short stops at red lights, keep the car in D gear and hold the brake. However, for longer stops, this can cause overheating and wear on the brake pads. In such cases, shift to P or N gear. On a slope, use P gear to prevent rolling, and on flat roads, use N gear and remember to engage the handbrake to avoid accidents; 2. Starting the car in P gear is incorrect. When shifting from P to D, the transmission passes through R gear, causing a reverse impact that can damage the transmission. The correct method is to turn on the power, press the brake, shift to N gear, then start the engine and shift to D gear.
As someone who has driven automatic transmission cars for many years, I find these lettered gears quite intuitive. P stands for Park, which locks the wheels to prevent movement when parked, such as in a garage or by the roadside. R is Reverse, used for backing up or exiting a parking space. N stands for Neutral, where the engine and wheels are disconnected, suitable for temporary stops like at traffic lights to save some fuel. D is Drive, used for most forward driving, whether in the city or on the highway. L or Low represents Low gear, providing greater torque when climbing steep hills or towing heavy loads to avoid the risk of rolling back. S is Sport mode, offering faster acceleration and more powerful performance, making it ideal for curves or overtaking with just a press. Some high-end cars feature an M gear for Manual mode, simulating manual shifting for a more engaging driving experience with the help of plus and minus buttons. When driving, I pay attention to the shifting sequence, such as passing through N gear before moving from P to D, avoiding abrupt shifts to prevent damage to the transmission. In snowy or icy conditions, the L gear can also help prevent skidding. These habits make driving safer and more worry-free.
