What do the plus and minus signs on the D gear of an automatic transmission car mean?
3 Answers
The D gear with plus and minus signs on an automatic transmission car is for a semi-automatic transmission, which is a type of automatic transmission. It adds the function of manual shifting on top of the automatic transmission, but there is essentially no significant difference between the two. Here is an introduction to the relevant content: 1. First, pull the gear lever down to engage the "D" gear, then push the lever to the left until "M/S" lights up, which means you have entered manual mode. When you need to shift gears, push the lever forward to downshift and pull it backward to upshift. 2. Push the lever back to the right to return to automatic mode. You can switch between manual and automatic modes at any time without braking, and you don't need to release the accelerator. Also known as the drive gear, when the gear lever is placed in this position, the hydraulic system control device automatically connects the corresponding forward gear oil circuit based on the throttle opening signal and vehicle speed signal. 3. The D gear of an automatic transmission car does not have the engine braking function and will continuously shift to higher gears as the downhill speed increases, causing the car to go faster and faster. You must constantly use the foot brake to control the speed, which can easily cause the brakes to overheat and fail due to excessive use, which is very dangerous. Therefore, when driving an automatic transmission car on a long downhill, do not use the D gear to prevent accidents.
On an automatic transmission car, when you're in D (Drive) gear and see plus/minus signs beside it, those aren’t just decorations—they allow you to manually control gear shifts, just like driving a manual transmission. I’ve driven many cars, and for example, when climbing steep slopes, downshifting directly gives the car more power without sluggishness; when going downhill, I also use lower gears to control speed, avoiding frequent braking wear. This feature is called manual mode or sport mode, and it’s actually quite fun—it lets you freely shift gears based on road conditions instead of relying entirely on the car’s own judgment. For instance, when overtaking, downshifting in advance accelerates faster, making the drive more exhilarating. But remember, no need to stress—the car automatically protects the engine from damage, though frequent use might consume a bit more fuel. I find it quite practical, especially when driving on mountain roads or towing, adding a sense of control instead of the boredom of regular D mode. It’s also a safety plus, reducing the risk of unintended acceleration.
The plus and minus signs next to the D gear allow you to manually intervene in gear shifting, which I find particularly useful during long-distance driving. By default, the automatic transmission intelligently shifts gears in D mode, but sometimes on congested roads or when climbing hills, the car's response lags slightly. Pressing the minus sign to downshift can increase torque for smoother driving, while pressing the plus sign to upshift saves fuel. This design originates from sport mode, with the original intention of giving drivers more control, such as reducing wheel spin when starting on snowy roads by downshifting. I recommend new drivers try it gradually rather than pressing randomly at first, as the engine might roar but won’t be harmed. Pairing it with navigation system prompts for road conditions can be even more effective. Overall, it’s a smart upgrade that balances the convenience of automatic transmission with the fun of manual shifting.
