What do the PRNDSL gears mean respectively?

[Harry]

PRNDSL gears respectively refer to: 1. P gear is the parking gear, used for parking, which utilizes a mechanical device to lock the transmission part of the car, preventing the car from moving; 2. R gear is the reverse gear, used for reversing the vehicle. Usually, you need to press the safety button on the shift lever to move it to the R gear; 3. N gear is the neutral gear. When the shift lever is placed in the N gear, the power between the engine and the transmission is cut off and separated; 4. D gear is the drive gear, used for normal road driving. When the shift lever is placed in the D gear, the driver can control the speed simply by adjusting the accelerator pedal; 5. S gear is the sport gear. In the S sport mode, the transmission can shift freely; 6. L gear is the low gear, used when the car is climbing a slope, allowing the car to obtain greater power.

[VonWyatt]

I remember when I first learned to drive, the instructor told me that the letters PRNDL on the automatic transmission represent different modes: P stands for Park, which locks the wheels when engaged. I often use it after coming to a complete stop, especially on slopes to prevent rolling. R is Reverse, specifically for moving the car backward. Before reversing, I always make sure the surroundings are safe before shifting. N is Neutral, which I switch to at red lights to reduce engine load; some drivers also use it when washing or towing the car. D is Drive, the go-to for daily commutes, with automatic shifting making it the most hassle-free. L is Low gear, used only for steep climbs or heavy towing, as it increases torque and prevents engine overload. Nowadays, new cars even have an S for Sport mode, but my car only goes up to L, making me feel that older designs focus more on practicality. Symbols might vary slightly between brands, but the general principle remains the same—with time behind the wheel, it all becomes second nature.

[ORuth]

I drive to and from work every day, and I encounter the letters PRNDL on my automatic transmission daily: P (Park) is a must when parking, especially in underground garages or parking lots, as it secures the vehicle and prevents accidental rolling. R (Reverse) makes backing up quite convenient, though once I almost scraped the car behind me because I didn’t pay attention to the shifting speed—now I’ve learned to come to a complete stop before switching. N (Neutral) is suitable for temporary stops, like waiting in a fast-food drive-thru line, as keeping it in D or P would waste fuel. D (Drive) is my go-to gear for city driving, where the automatic shifting is smooth and eliminates the hassle of manual operation. L (Low) is only used for mountain trips—once on a steep hill in the countryside, it saved my engine from overheating. Some models have an S (Sport) mode, which delays upshifting for better performance, but personally, I prefer a comfortable drive. Mastering the correct use of these gears reduces vehicle wear and boosts driving confidence.

[Miguel]

In an automatic transmission car, the letters PRNDL each serve a purpose: P for Park and lock, R for Reverse (use with caution), N for Neutral (great for temporary stops), D for Drive (easy on the road), and L for Low (powerful on steep slopes). I often use L gear in mountainous areas or on snowy roads, as it limits the transmission's highest gear, ensuring the engine has sufficient power to avoid the danger of sliding. D gear is the most practical for daily commuting, with automatic shifting requiring no effort. Always press the brake before shifting gears to prevent transmission damage—this is a fundamental operating rule.