What does M plus/minus gear mean?

[MacDavid]

M plus/minus gear refers to the manual mode of an automatic transmission, and its functions are: 1. To enable the car to reverse without changing the engine's rotation direction; 2. To interrupt power transmission by using neutral gear, allowing the engine to start, idle, and facilitating gear shifting or power output; 3. To change the transmission ratio to expand the range of torque and speed variation of the driving wheels, adapting to frequently changing driving conditions while keeping the engine operating under favorable conditions. Transmission maintenance methods: 1. Regularly check the fluid level; 2. Do not skip gears when upshifting; 3. Do not force the transmission into neutral; 4. Do not shorten the idle warm-up time; 5. Avoid gear grinding when shifting.

[OAugust]

When I first got my driver's license, I didn't know what the M +/- gear meant. Later, I learned that the M on an automatic transmission car stands for manual mode, and the +/- are the manual upshift and downshift buttons or paddles. Simply put, this function allows the car to behave like a manual transmission, letting you decide the shift timing yourself, unlike full automatic mode where the computer guesses your intentions. I tried downshifting to accelerate when overtaking on the highway, and it felt more responsive; using manual mode to downshift on slopes also helped the engine assist in braking, making it safer. But beginners shouldn't rely on it too much, as it's easy to forget to upshift, leading to excessively high engine RPM and increased fuel consumption. With a bit more practice, it becomes easier to use, especially in urban traffic or winding road sections. Remember, safety first—don't misuse it just for fun.

[SanCayden]

I always enjoy driving for leisure, and manual shifting is my must-have toy. The M mode paired with +/- buttons on automatic transmission cars enhances the sense of control while driving. Manual upshifting ensures smooth acceleration, while downshifting stabilizes the car during turns—especially on mountain roads or race tracks, where the engine sound and response feel incredibly cool. Why use this? It avoids the delay caused by frequent gear shifts in automatic transmissions, improves acceleration performance, and reduces wear on the drivetrain. I often switch to this mode during long trips or traffic jams, saving fuel and preventing annoying jerks. Of course, beginners should first read the manual to learn the basics—don’t start frantically pressing the shift buttons right away.

[JaceLee]

Having driven for decades, I think the M gear shift is just a practical tool. The M in automatic transmissions stands for manual function, with the plus and minus buttons helping you control gear shifts. It's most commonly used when going downhill or towing to downshift and utilize engine braking, preventing brake overheating for added safety. I also use upshifting for faster acceleration when overtaking on highways or to stabilize the car on slippery snowy roads. The benefit is reducing transmission wear and extending its lifespan, while the downside might be slightly increased fuel consumption if operated improperly by beginners. My advice is to get used to it during daily driving—don't overcomplicate it.