What does the D gear in an automatic transmission car mean?

3 Answers
SophiaLee
07/24/25 2:55am
In an automatic transmission car, the D gear stands for Drive. Below is an introduction to the gears in an automatic transmission car: The P gear in a car: This is the gear used for long-term parking. It is generally used in conjunction with the N gear. When the P gear is engaged, components like the transmission are directly locked, which also prevents the car from rolling. The R gear in a car: This is the Reverse gear. This gear is the same in both manual and automatic transmission cars. It is used when reversing, and it is generally engaged after the car has come to a complete stop. The N gear in a car: This is the well-known Neutral gear. The Neutral gear is often misused, with many car owners mistakenly believing that using this gear when going downhill saves fuel. This is incorrect. This gear is actually more suitable for short-term parking. It is also used in conjunction with the P gear for long-term parking. The S gear in a car: This is the Sport gear. When this gear is engaged, the engine can provide more powerful performance. Generally, when overtaking, engaging this gear can save more fuel compared to staying in D gear and pressing the accelerator hard. It also allows for much faster acceleration.
Was this review help?
9
2
Share
OJudah
08/10/25 10:28pm
When I first learned to drive, I didn't understand what those gear positions meant. Later, I realized that D stands for Drive, which is the gear used for driving. Step on the accelerator and it automatically shifts gears to move forward - super convenient, especially in traffic jams, without the hassle of manual gear shifting like in a manual transmission. Remember, when driving, just shift to D gear, but when parking, shift to P gear to prevent the car from sliding. On my first drive, I was always worried about shifting wrong, but then I found automatic transmissions to be really worry-free. For city driving, D gear is the most practical. Compared to other gears, R is for Reverse, P is for Parking, and N is Neutral, occasionally used, like when washing the car. Safety first - don't leave the car in D gear on a slope without moving, as it's bad for the transmission. Here's a little tip: Starting smoothly in D gear is great for beginners. As you get more familiar, you'll know when to use S gear (Sport mode), but for daily use, D gear is comfortable enough.
Was this review help?
1
2
Share
Expand All
IsabellaAnn
08/10/25 10:30pm
After driving an automatic transmission car for so many years, the D gear feels like a reliable old companion to me. It stands for Drive, and once the car is in D gear, it automatically shifts forward based on speed, making it perfect for daily commutes or long-distance trips. During my daily stop-and-go traffic at red lights, D gear is especially convenient—no need to worry about shifting gears, saving a lot of effort. Just be careful not to accidentally shift into other gears while driving, like R gear, which can be dangerous. The design of D gear is quite user-friendly, featuring a creeping effect—when you gently release the brake, the car moves slowly, avoiding sudden jerks. In terms of fuel consumption, maintaining a steady throttle in D gear can help save some fuel. Additionally, on rainy or slippery roads, D gear automatically adjusts torque for a more stable drive.
Was this review help?
13
2
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What is the principle of the Toyota Camry Hybrid?

Toyota Camry Hybrid adopts a series-parallel hybrid system. In its power coupling mechanism, the motor MG1 and the engine need to undergo planetary gear speed coupling. After speed coupling, torque coupling with motor MG1 is also required. Through speed synthesis, motor MG2 adjusts the engine speed, making the engine speed independent of the vehicle speed, thereby achieving the ECVT function. The Camry is a model under GAC Toyota. In terms of body dimensions, it measures 4900mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1455mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2825mm.
18
5
Share

Where is the VIN stamping located on the Dongfeng Peugeot 2008?

The locations of the VIN stamping on the Dongfeng Peugeot 2008: 1. In the engine compartment, lift the engine hood, and you will find it on a vertical steel plate at the lower front left side near the windshield; 2. Next to the passenger door frame, visible upon opening the door. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code used to identify a vehicle's manufacturer, engine, chassis number, and other specifications. The Peugeot 2008 is a strategic model introduced to expand Dongfeng Peugeot's lineup of urban compact SUVs. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4159mm in length, 1739mm in width, 1578mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2538mm.
4
1
Share

How to reset the tire pressure warning light on Trumpchi GS8?

Methods to reset the tire pressure warning light on Trumpchi GS8: 1. Press the vehicle information button after starting the vehicle; 2. Select the tire settings option in the vehicle settings; 3. Press the vehicle set button to proceed to the next step; 4. Click confirm and wait for the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system to complete initialization, then the tire pressure warning will be reset. The Trumpchi GS8 is a large seven-seat premium SUV launched by GAC Group's independent brand, GAC Trumpchi. In terms of body dimensions, it measures 4835mm in length, 1910mm in width, 1765mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2800mm.
10
0
Share

What does gear oil 85w140 mean?

Gear oil 85w140 indicates that the gear oil is a multi-grade oil with two grades, 85w and 140, suitable for ambient temperatures ranging from -26°C to +50°C. In 85w140 gear oil, the 85 represents the low-temperature viscosity—the smaller the number, the lower the viscosity, resulting in better low-temperature fluidity and enhanced low-temperature performance. The 'w' stands for winter-grade gear oil. The 140 denotes the high-temperature viscosity—the larger the number, the higher the high-temperature viscosity, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures. Gear oil primarily refers to the lubricating oil used in transmissions and rear axles. It differs from engine oil in terms of usage conditions, composition, and performance characteristics. Gear oil mainly functions to lubricate gears and bearings, prevent wear and rust, and assist in dissipating heat from the gears.
16
3
Share

Is It Useful to Flush the Three-Way Catalytic Converter with Water?

Flushing the three-way catalytic converter with water is not effective; specialized three-way catalytic converter cleaning agents should be used for cleaning. The three-way catalytic converter is an important external purification device installed in the automotive exhaust system, which converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. Since fuel contains harmful substances like sulfur and phosphorus, chemical complexes can form on the surface of the oxygen sensor and inside the three-way catalytic converter after combustion. Additionally, due to poor driving habits or prolonged driving in congested areas, the engine often operates in an incomplete combustion state, leading to carbon deposits in the oxygen sensor and three-way catalytic converter. Therefore, regular cleaning of the three-way catalytic converter is necessary.
5
0
Share

How to Turn Off Mazda's Auto Start-Stop?

Method to turn off Mazda's auto start-stop: There is an i-stop auto start-stop button on the vehicle's center console. Press and hold this button until the dashboard light turns yellow, which indicates the auto start-stop system is deactivated. Mazda's i-stop system employs a unique "combustion restart" method. During engine restart, the starter motor plays only an auxiliary role, with the main starting force coming from the pre-compressed cylinder before shutdown. Mazda is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, and its SUV lineup includes the CX3, CX30, CX4 (exclusive to China), CX5, CX8, and CX9. Taking the Mazda CX5 as an example, it is positioned as a compact SUV. In terms of body dimensions, its length, width, and height are 4555mm, 1840mm, and 1710mm respectively.
13
2
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.