What do the plus and minus signs on the Envision's gear shift mean?
4 Answers
The plus and minus signs on the Envision's gear shift represent upshift and downshift respectively. Manual mode: The plus and minus signs on the Envision's gear shift indicate the manual mode of the automatic transmission. When the gear is in D (Drive) automatic mode, you can switch the gear lever from D to the plus/minus side during normal driving to activate manual mode. Pushing the lever toward the plus sign will accelerate the vehicle, and repeatedly pushing it upward will continuously increase the speed. Pushing it toward the minus sign will decelerate the vehicle. Model introduction: The Buick Envision is a compact SUV launched by SAIC-GM Buick. The currently available models are the 2020 version, which comes in four configurations: 15T Auto Base, 15T Auto Comfort, 20T CVT Elite, and 20T CVT Premium. Among the four models, the entry-level 15T Auto Base has different body dimensions from the other three models, with a length of 4295mm, width of 1798mm, and height of 1607mm. The other three models share the same dimensions: length of 4295mm, width of 1798mm, and height of 1616mm.
When driving the Buick Envision, the plus and minus signs on the gear shift actually represent the manual shifting function. I didn’t understand it when I first bought the car, but later a friend taught me: the plus and minus signs come into play after switching from D mode to manual mode. The plus sign is for upshifting—for example, when accelerating or cruising on flat roads, shifting to a higher gear saves fuel. The minus sign is for downshifting, useful when climbing hills to gain stronger power or when going downhill to control speed and avoid frequent braking. I use it often now—on my commute, whenever I encounter a steep slope, I manually downshift, which makes the car respond faster and protects the brake pads. For new Envision drivers, I recommend getting familiar with this function. Gradually learn the right shifting timing, like upshifting at 2,000 RPM or downshifting at 1,500 RPM, and avoid aggressive shifts to prevent engine shuddering. While automatic transmission is simpler, manual mode offers more flexibility and a sense of control—just like the old manual cars I loved driving when I was younger.
I've been driving the Envision for over two years now, and the plus/minus design on the gearshift is quite clever—it's used for manually controlling the transmission gears. After switching to M mode, you can operate it: press the plus sign to upshift and accelerate, or push the minus sign to downshift and slow down. I always use the minus sign to maintain a low speed for safety when going downhill at highway exits or on slippery roads during rain or snow, avoiding sudden braking accidents. On uphill sections, I use the plus sign along with the throttle to smoothly navigate turns, feeling the car perform more powerfully. This system combines the convenience of an automatic transmission, allowing you to easily enjoy a bit of racing fun without worrying about the clutch. If you're new to it, start by practicing small gear changes on flat roads, getting familiar with the engine sound changes, and avoid shifting abruptly to prevent skidding. Occasionally, I'll even take a short drive in manual mode, enjoying the engine roar and the vehicle's responsiveness—it's really stress-relieving.
The plus and minus signs on the Envision's gear shift are manual shift buttons, used for upshifting to accelerate or downshifting to slow down. When driving on steep slopes, pressing the minus button to lower the gear ensures a smooth and stable climb without shaking. On steep downhill slopes at high speeds, using it to control speed is safe and saves brake wear. The manual mode displays the current gear on the dashboard, and the operation is simple—just push and press—making it easy even for beginners to try.
