What does M1 and M2 mean in an automatic transmission?

[CarmenDella]

In an automatic transmission, M1 refers to the first gear in manual mode, and M2 refers to the second gear in manual mode. M1 is typically used for normal starts or climbing steep slopes, with speeds around 10 kilometers per hour. M2 is used for accelerating after starting, driving at low speeds near other vehicles, or climbing steep slopes, with speeds around 20 kilometers per hour. You can switch directly between M mode and D mode without any time or RPM restrictions. The transmission will automatically match the appropriate gear based on the real-time speed. When in M mode, the dashboard will display the current gear, and you can shift up or down by pushing or pulling the gear lever. If the gear is in D mode and you want to overtake, the speed won't increase rapidly even if you press the accelerator hard, as the transmission will still shift up sequentially, resulting in a slower response time. However, if you switch to M mode, the vehicle can utilize the high torque of a lower gear to accelerate instantly when the driver presses the accelerator, allowing for quicker and safer overtaking maneuvers while saving time.

[McReid]

Having driven for many years, the M1 and M2 in automatic transmissions are essentially manual gear selection functions, giving me extra control while driving. For example, when climbing a snowy slope in winter, I switch to M1 gear, which raises the engine RPM and provides stronger power to prevent the car from sliding backward. In normal city driving, the automatic mode is effortless, but when facing steep downhill mountain roads, I use M2 gear for engine braking to reduce brake wear and avoid failure. Another advantage is maintaining a steady speed in muddy sections without constantly pressing the accelerator or brake. The operation is simple—just shift to M mode and push the lever to select the gear. I recommend beginners practice a few times in an open area to get familiar with it. Overall, it’s a practical little trick that can handle various road conditions.

[McPenelope]

As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I think the M1 and M2 in automatic transmissions are essentially functions that allow you to manually control gear settings. Many modern cars feature this design, such as finding a small switch near the gear shift—just flip it to enter manual mode, then select gear 1 or 2. I use it most often on steep downhill mountain roads, choosing M2 to let the engine drag the car and slow it down, preventing the brake pads from overheating; when overtaking on highways, switching to M1 provides a stronger acceleration thrill. This also helps save fuel by avoiding the wear and tear from frequent automatic gear shifts. Remember to watch the tachometer and keep the needle out of the red zone—safety first. Give it a try, and you'll find driving becomes more flexible.

[StElliana]

I drive an automatic transmission car to work every day, where M1 and M2 are the lower gear options in manual mode. During traffic jams, the constant gear shifting in automatic mode can be jerky, so I use M1 to lock in a lower gear for a much smoother ride; when exiting a parking garage on an incline, selecting M2 is super practical to prevent rolling back. The operation is extremely simple—just push the knob or lever—no technical skill required. This feature is built into almost all automatic transmission cars, just labeled differently. It's rarely used in daily driving but very handy in emergencies.