What do the P, R, N, D, S gears mean?
4 Answers
P, R, N, D, S gears represent the following: P stands for Park, N stands for Neutral, D stands for Drive, R stands for Reverse, and S stands for Sport mode. P, R, N, D, S are almost standard gears in every automatic transmission car, though some automatic cars may lack a P gear, and some may not have an S gear. The P gear is the parking gear; when engaged, the parking lock mechanism locks the transmission output shaft. The R gear is the reverse gear; engaging this gear connects the hydraulic system to the reverse oil circuit, causing the drive wheels to rotate in reverse for backward movement. The N gear is the neutral gear; when engaged, the planetary gear system spins freely without transmitting power. The D gear is the drive gear, which automatically shifts up or down based on driving speed, enabling automatic transmission functionality.
I usually drive an automatic transmission car to commute, and I use these gears every day. The P gear is the parking gear, which must be engaged before turning off the engine. For example, when parking in a parking lot, you need to engage P gear as it locks the transmission. The R gear is the reverse gear, used only when backing up, and you must fully press the brake before shifting into it. The N gear is the neutral gear, which you can use to rest your foot while waiting at a red light, but be careful not to use it on slopes as the car may roll. The D gear is the most commonly used drive gear for normal forward movement; just use this gear for city driving. The S gear is the sport mode, used for overtaking or climbing steep hills, as it keeps the engine at higher RPMs for more power. When I first started driving, I often got confused, but now I'm so familiar with them that I don't even need to look at the dashboard.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for fifteen years, the meanings of these gears are quite straightforward. The P (Park) gear is equivalent to a mechanical handbrake; it must be used to lock the gears when parking for extended periods. The R (Reverse) gear is engaged when backing up, but you must ensure the car is completely stopped before shifting into reverse to avoid damaging the transmission. The N (Neutral) gear is suitable for temporary stops, such as waiting in line at a car wash, though cars with start-stop functionality rarely need it. The D (Drive) gear handles automatic shifting for hassle-free daily driving. The S (Sport) gear delays upshifting to maintain power, which is especially useful for mountain driving. Once, I forgot to shift into P before turning off my friend's car, triggering a transmission warning and costing over 3,000 yuan in repairs—a lesson in remembering the proper steps.
I specifically taught my daughter about these gear positions when teaching her to drive. P is the parking lock gear, which must be engaged only after the vehicle comes to a complete stop. When using R for reverse, pay attention to the surroundings - most new cars now come with reversing camera assistance. N neutral gear is suitable for towing or short stops, but avoid switching to it while driving. D drive gear automatically moves forward, with the transmission shifting gears based on speed. S sport mode feels particularly exhilarating when overtaking, though it consumes more fuel while delivering stronger power. For daily errands and school runs, D gear is usually sufficient, while S gear only gets used occasionally during weekend outings or hill climbs. Experienced drivers often say that once you master automatic transmission, it's even more convenient than manual.
