What does PRND mean in an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
PRNDL refers to the parking gear. In an automatic transmission car, P stands for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive, and L for Low gear. Below is a detailed introduction to the car gears: 1. The P gear is used when parking. 2. The R gear is used when reversing. 3. The N gear is used for temporary stops, such as waiting at a traffic light. 4. The D gear is used for normal forward driving, eliminating the need to constantly shift gears like in a manual transmission car; simply engage the D gear while driving. 5. The L gear is used when climbing or descending steep slopes, equivalent to the 1st gear in a manual transmission car.
After driving automatic transmission cars for so many years, I still need to look at the letters on the center console every time I shift gears. The most commonly used are PRND: P (Park) is for parking, which directly locks the wheels—essential for parking on slopes; R (Reverse) is specifically for backing up, and it activates the rearview camera; N (Neutral) is suitable for short stops without turning off the engine, like waiting at a red light; D (Drive) is for normal driving, with automatic shifting making it hassle-free. Some cars also have S/L gears, which are manual modes for overtaking or climbing hills. Important reminder: Always press the brake when shifting from P to any other gear—this is a safety lock design. Forcing the gear lever can damage the transmission.
