What does the '+' and '-' mean in the D gear of an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission vehicles have D, '+', and '-' gears. The D gear is the driving gear of an automatic transmission, meaning the vehicle will automatically shift up or down in this gear without manual operation. The '+' and '-' represent the manual mode of the automatic transmission. In this mode, the driver needs to shift gears manually based on the vehicle's speed and RPM, as the transmission will not shift automatically. Below is an introduction to the common gears of an automatic transmission car: 1. P gear, or Parking gear, uses a mechanical device inside the transmission to lock the rotating parts of the car. It must only be used when the vehicle is completely stopped. Additionally, the gear must be in P when the car is turned off. 2. N gear, or Neutral gear, is generally used for short stops. In this gear, the right foot can leave the brake pedal to rest. However, on slopes, the brake must still be applied to prevent the car from rolling, unless the handbrake or electronic brake is engaged. 3. D gear, or Drive gear, is the forward driving gear. When in D gear, the driver only needs to control the accelerator pedal to adjust the speed. The transmission will automatically determine the appropriate gear based on the accelerator position and vehicle speed, eliminating the need for manual shifting. 4. R gear, or Reverse gear, is used for reversing. It's important to note that the R gear should not be engaged forcefully when the vehicle is not completely stopped, as this can cause wear to the transmission. 5. S gear, or Sport mode, provides greater power as the engine maintains high-speed operation. This gear is suitable for pursuing speed but will also increase fuel consumption.
I was always curious about the plus and minus signs next to the D gear in automatic transmissions while driving. Later, I discovered it's actually a manual shifting function, which is quite interesting. For example, when driving downhill on mountain roads, pressing the minus sign allows you to manually downshift, letting the engine slow down the car to avoid excessive brake wear. Pressing the plus sign to upshift can save more fuel when cruising on flat roads. I remember the first time I used it was on a trip to the countryside—manually controlling the speed on a long downhill made me feel much safer, otherwise, I'd be worried about brake failure from constant braking. The operation is simple too, just a light flick on the gear lever, and most modern cars come with this feature. To be honest, occasionally shifting manually adds a bit of fun to driving, making it less monotonous. I’d recommend practicing more to get used to it, especially in heavy traffic, as it can reduce frequent gear shifts and potential transmission wear.
As someone who frequently drives with kids, the plus and minus signs on the D gear are practical safety features. The minus sign represents manual downshifting to increase torque, providing more power when climbing hills with the whole family; the plus sign upshifts to maintain steady speed and save on fuel. For example, last weekend when taking the kids to the mountains, manually downshifting to a lower gear on steep descents allowed the engine to automatically drag and protect the braking system, which was reassuring. The operation is simple—just a flick on the steering wheel or gear lever—and even beginners can quickly get the hang of it. I also use it on slippery roads to enhance traction and reduce the risk of skidding, extending the car's lifespan while ensuring safety. Family cars are worth utilizing this feature for better vehicle control.
