What does the 1 and 2 gears in an automatic transmission mean?
3 Answers
1 and 2 are low gears, equivalent to the 1st and 2nd gears in a manual transmission. The following are the functions of the 1 and 2 gears in an automatic transmission: 1. Steep slopes: When going up or down very steep slopes, select 1st gear. In this case, the car will always remain in 1st gear and will not shift into the other three forward gears. This ensures sufficient power when climbing and maximizes the engine braking effect when descending. 2. Long slopes: When encountering a long-distance slope, select 2nd gear. The control unit will automatically shift between 1st and 2nd gears based on the driving speed and throttle opening. This avoids unnecessary shifting into higher gears and better utilizes the engine braking effect when descending.
I've been studying car transmissions recently. A 12-speed automatic means it has 12 forward gears, unlike older 6 or 8-speed vehicles. This design allows the engine to always maintain optimal RPM, delivering both fuel efficiency and strong power. I've driven BMW's latest model equipped with ZF's 12-speed transmission - the gear shifts are incredibly smooth, and at highway speeds the engine RPM drops below 2000, reducing noise while saving fuel. Test data shows fuel consumption can decrease by 8%-10%, especially noticeable in city driving where hills or acceleration feel effortless. More gears also extend engine life by reducing wear, making it a worthwhile feature to consider when choosing a car, particularly for frequent long-distance drivers.
I've been driving a 12-speed automatic transmission car for a while now, and the experience has been fantastic. Previously, with a 6-speed car, there was always noticeable jerkiness during gear shifts, but now with 12 speeds, the transitions are as smooth as silk, and the engine noise during highway cruising is significantly reduced. I've calculated the fuel savings, and it's over 100 bucks a month, especially effective on less congested roads. The computer automatically manages the gears, so I don't have to worry about it—just step on the gas. This feature makes driving more comfortable and safer, for example, in rainy or foggy conditions, the smooth acceleration reduces the risk of skidding. I'd recommend test driving one to feel the difference; cars like the Audi A8 come equipped with this system.
