What does the D gear plus and minus mean?
2 Answers
D gear plus and minus refers to the manual-automatic transmission with plus and minus signs, which is a type of automatic transmission. It adds the function of manual shifting on the basis of the automatic transmission, and there is essentially no significant difference between the two. The plus and minus signs next to the D gear represent the manual mode in the automatic transmission. The manual mode is an electronic control device added to the automatic transmission, allowing the transmission to follow the operator's commands for upshifting and downshifting. When the gear lever is in the D gear position, pushing it to the right will engage the manual mode. At this point, pushing the lever upward will upshift the transmission by one gear, while pushing it downward will downshift the transmission by one gear.
When I first started driving, I noticed the + and - symbol buttons on the steering wheel and was extremely curious. Later, I learned that this is the D-gear shift function of the automatic transmission—while driving in D-gear, you can manually control the gear shifts. Pressing + upshifts for smoother acceleration, while pressing - downshifts to enhance power output. For example, downshifting on steep slopes increases engine RPM, giving the car more power to climb; downshifting on long descents utilizes engine braking to slow down, reducing wear on brake pads. It's simple to operate—just press the steering wheel paddle, and the system takes effect immediately, with the computer preventing incorrect shifts that could harm the engine. New drivers can get the hang of it after a few tries, helping with smoother starts in congested traffic or faster acceleration when overtaking. In short, it's a great feature to enhance driving control—don’t miss the chance to practice.
