What does the D plus/minus gear in a car mean?

[SanPaisley]

Car gear D plus/minus is the manual mode of an automatic transmission. Pushing towards the plus sign increases a gear, and pushing towards the minus sign decreases a gear. The specific steps for use are: 1. Press the brake pedal; 2. Press the one-touch start button; 3. The dashboard lights up, and the vehicle starts; 4. Place the automatic gear lever in the D plus/minus position to enter manual mode; 5. Push the gear lever forward once to increase a gear; 6. Push the gear lever backward once to decrease a gear. The D gear is also called the drive gear. When the gear shift lever is placed in this position, the hydraulic control system automatically connects the corresponding forward gear oil circuit based on the throttle opening signal and vehicle speed signal.

[SanCassidy]

I've been driving for over a decade and absolutely love using that D +/- feature. Simply put, after shifting to D gear, you can push the gear lever left or right to manually select gears - the '+' sign upshifts to increase speed, while the '-' sign downshifts to raise engine RPM for more power. During my daily commute in congested areas, I frequently downshift manually for quick overtaking reactions, or downshift uphill to prevent car shuddering, avoiding the sluggishness of pure automatic D mode. This manual mode enhances driving engagement and reduces gearshift jerks. On long drives encountering steep downhill slopes, I use downshifting for engine braking to ease brake burden and prolong their lifespan. I recommend practicing gradually in daily driving - mastering it saves fuel and improves safety. Just avoid aggressive downshifting at high speeds that could over-rev and damage engine components. It feels like you're directly controlling the car's heart with natural fluidity.

[ORylee]

If you're just learning to drive, don't panic. Let me easily explain what D +/- means: It's a convenient manual shifting function on automatic transmission vehicles. After shifting to D, pushing the gear lever to the plus sign upshifts and the minus sign downshifts, allowing you to control the gear level. I've taught several beginners - first have them try gently pushing the downshift on flat roads to experience the power surge (great for overtaking), while upshifting provides smooth acceleration and better fuel efficiency. Safety always comes first. Why this feature? It lets you handle variable road conditions like steep climbs or slippery rainy days, preventing sluggish automatic transmission response and potential skidding. I usually recommend starting with simple practice - once mastered, you'll love its flexible control. Don't forget regular transmission maintenance.

[AlexanderAnn]

As a car enthusiast, I explored the core gameplay of the D+/- mode, especially in performance cars. It's a manual shift up and down tool that makes the car respond faster. For example, in mountain curves, downshifting instantly increases torque for exhilarating acceleration through corners. Pushing to upshift controls RPM for a smoother balance and reduces jerking. Modern models integrate it via paddle shifters or gear levers to optimize the driving experience. Don't miss this detail that enhances handling.