What do the letters on the gear shift represent?

[OMiguel]

Introduction to gear shift letters: 1. P stands for Park, used for long-term parking of the vehicle; 2. R stands for Reverse, the gear engaged when the vehicle needs to move backward; 3. N stands for Neutral, the gear engaged when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine; 4. D stands for Drive, when the gear lever is in D, the vehicle will automatically shift gears based on throttle opening and speed data; 5. S stands for Sport mode, making the vehicle drive more sportily; 6. M stands for Manual mode, when the gear lever is in M, gear shifting is done manually by the driver; 7. L stands for Low, the low-speed gear.

[Manuel]

When I first started driving, I also didn't understand the letters on the gear shift. After driving for over ten years, I finally figured it out. P stands for Park, which you must engage before turning off the engine, otherwise the transmission could be damaged; R is Reverse, essential for backing into parking spaces; N is Neutral, used when waiting at red lights or during towing; D is Drive, the gear you use for normal driving. Some cars also have an S mode, which is Sport mode, making the throttle response quicker for overtaking; L is Low gear, used for climbing steep hills or descending long slopes to prevent brake overheating. Remember to always engage P before turning off the engine, or you might not be able to start the car the next day. Also, if you're waiting at a red light for more than 30 seconds, it's best to shift to N to save fuel and protect the transmission.

[OGabriella]

We female drivers care most about the practical scenarios for these letters! The P (Park) gear locks the wheels like pulling the handbrake, perfect for long-term parking; the R (Reverse) gear triggers beeping radar alerts when backing up; the D (Drive) gear is the most frequently used, handling daily commutes effortlessly. The N (Neutral) gear is like a rest mode—essential for automatic car washes. My bestie’s car even has an S (Sport) gear, delivering intense acceleration for highway overtaking; the L (Low) gear is a lifesaver on Guizhou’s mountain roads, eliminating constant brake taps on steep descents. Remember: never shift gears while crossing waterlogged roads—getting transmission fluid contaminated is a nightmare. Plus, many cars now feature electronic parking brakes that auto-engage in P gear—so thoughtful~

[VivianRose]

Common issues in repair shops often involve incorrect gear shifting damaging the transmission. The P (Park) gear engages a parking pawl to lock the driveshaft, so the vehicle must be completely stopped before shifting into P. The R (Reverse) gear automatically activates the rearview camera. The D (Drive) gear is the fundamental automatic transmission mode using planetary gears. Important note: When towing a stalled vehicle, always shift to N (Neutral), otherwise, the differential in 4WD vehicles can be destroyed! Avoid slamming the accelerator during snow skids, as it may trigger protective mode and lock the gears. Modified cars often add paddle shifters, essentially adding a manual mode on top of D gear. The factory S (Sport) mode delays upshifting for higher RPMs. New car owners are advised to read the manual before operating.

[LeJohnny]

The instructor taught us gear shifting like playing a level-based game: P is the final station, you must come to a complete stop before pressing the button to unlock; R is the reverse level, requiring both rearview mirrors and the reversing camera; N is the transit rest area, used for automatic car wash conveyor belts; D is the main track, just coordinate the throttle and brake. My common mistake is shifting to P before the car fully stops, causing terrifying gearbox creaks. Key exam requirements: Don't rely on D gear's creep for hill starts, use the handbrake instead; Shift to N at red lights over 1 minute to save fuel; Remember to release the foot brake before shifting to R when reverse parking, otherwise the jerk is intense.