What do the P, R, N, D, and S gears respectively mean?

[MacAaliyah]

P, R, N, D, and S gears have the following meanings: 1. P gear: Parking gear. When this gear is engaged, the parking lock mechanism locks the transmission output shaft. 2. R gear: Reverse gear. When this gear is engaged, the drive wheels rotate in reverse for backing up. Do not forcibly shift to "R" gear when the vehicle is not completely stopped, as this may damage the transmission. 3. N gear: Neutral gear. When neutral is engaged, the planetary gear system idles and cannot output power. 4. D gear: Drive gear. When the gearshift lever is in this position, the hydraulic system control device automatically connects the corresponding forward gear circuit based on throttle opening signal and vehicle speed signal. It can automatically shift up or down with changes in driving speed, achieving automatic transmission function. 5. S gear: Sport mode. When the gearshift lever is in this position, the transmission control module receives the driver's command, and the vehicle enters sport mode. The shifting logic becomes more aggressive, shifts occur more frequently, providing the driver with better control feel and throttle response, showcasing the driving pleasure of the vehicle.

[VonCalvin]

These PRNDS gears seemed quite mysterious when I was learning to drive. P stands for Park, which you engage when parking at your destination to lock the wheels and prevent movement. R is Reverse, essential for backing into parking spaces, but always check the rearview mirror for safety. N is Neutral, used for brief stops or towing—the engine runs but the car doesn’t move. D is Drive, the go-to for moving forward, making driving effortless and practical. S is Sport mode, offering quicker acceleration and more power, perfect for overtaking or spicing up your drive. New drivers should practice with these gears, avoiding shifts while the car is moving to protect the transmission—safety first. Mastering these basics makes driving smoother and minimizes mistakes.

[VanGiselle]

Having driven for over twenty years, I'm very familiar with these letters. The P (Park) gear is for locking the car when parked, especially on slopes where you should engage the handbrake before shifting into it. The R (Reverse) gear is used for backing up, requiring a slow approach to avoid hitting anything. The N (Neutral) gear is good for idling, such as during car repairs or brief stops at red lights. The D (Drive) gear is the mainstay for daily driving, offering smooth and comfortable power delivery. The S (Sport) gear adds some excitement, with quicker RPM rises for better hill climbing and overtaking. Remember not to skip gears when shifting, like going directly from D to R, as it can easily damage the transmission. Also, regularly check the tires and air brakes—safe driving is the way to go. For the car's air conditioning, just press the AUTO button, and the system will automatically adjust the temperature and fan speed.

[AndersonLynn]

PRNDS is the foundation of automatic transmissions. P (Park) locks the wheels to prevent rolling. R (Reverse) is for backing up—use it with steady operation. N (Neutral) is handy for waiting at lights or temporary stops, saving fuel and ensuring comfort. D (Drive) is for normal driving—just keep it engaged. S (Sport) mode delivers aggressive acceleration—switch to it when you want some excitement. Modern cars may also have ECO or manual options, but understanding PRNDS covers most situations. The auto AC button is smart—just set the temperature and forget about it. Don't neglect tire maintenance to avoid punctures and roadside breakdowns.