What does M plus/minus gear mean?

[AthenaMarie]

M plus/minus gear refers to the manual mode of an automatic transmission. Its functions are: 1. Enabling the car to reverse while keeping the engine rotation direction unchanged; 2. Utilizing neutral gear to interrupt power transmission, allowing the engine to start and idle, facilitating gear shifting or power output; 3. Changing the transmission ratio to expand the range of torque and speed variation of the drive 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. Avoid skipping gears when upshifting; 3. Do not forcibly shift into neutral; 4. Do not shorten the idle warm-up time; 5. Avoid gear grinding when shifting.

[ElliotLee]

M +/- gear shift is a manual shifting method on automatic transmission cars. After you engage the D or S gear, switch to the manual-automatic integrated mode, then press the '+' button to upshift and the '-' button to downshift. This gives me more freedom while driving, especially when using engine braking to prevent rolling downhill on mountain roads without constantly stepping on the brakes, making it safer. Or when overtaking, downshifting provides instant acceleration with quicker power response. Remember not to shift randomly at low speeds to avoid excessively high engine RPM that could damage the transmission. For daily city driving, automatic mode is more convenient, but if you want some driving fun, try the manual mode—it combines the convenience of automatic with the precision of manual. As an experienced driver who has driven dozens of cars, I highly recommend this feature. Once familiar, driving becomes not just a mechanical operation but an enjoyable experience. It's also beginner-friendly—just stay calm and practice more. Choosing the right shifting timing helps prolong the car's lifespan.

[LaReed]

As a car enthusiast, I absolutely love manual mode! Shifting gears up and down brings back the joy of driving a manual transmission in an automatic. Pressing '+' shifts up, lowering the RPM for better fuel efficiency, while pressing '-' downshifts for an instant power boost, perfect for racing or climbing hills. Most cars have this feature—don't underestimate it, as it can help you respond quickly in emergencies. On highways, I often switch to manual to maintain the optimal gear and avoid inefficient engine ranges, saving some fuel costs. Just be careful not to overuse low gears at high RPMs, as it wastes fuel and strains the engine. Take your time to find the right rhythm and make it your driving partner.

[DelBrooke]

Using the manual shift mode is quite simple, it just means manually changing gears. When in D (Drive) mode, push it to M (Manual) mode, press the '+' to upshift for lower RPM and quieter operation, or press '-' to downshift for quicker acceleration, especially helpful when climbing hills. I think it's practical for family cars during long trips to save fuel or prevent coasting downhill. Improper operation might damage the transmission, so it's mostly used for high RPM or low-speed overtaking scenarios. Beginners can safely try it once or twice to get used to it—safety first, don't get distracted.