What does the M gear in an automatic car mean?

[DeBenjamin]

M gear stands for manual mode. Here are the related functions of the M gear: 1. Adjusting gear speed: Manually control gear shifting by pressing the button to upshift or downshift. Moving the gear lever left/right or up/down allows free adjustment; gear changes will only be executed within safe parameters, meaning it will only perform the shift within preset safety limits for upshifting or downshifting. 2. Enhancing driving pleasure: In manual-automatic mode, there's almost no worry about damaging the car or stalling due to your operation. More often, it satisfies a bit of your driving enjoyment. 3. Differences: CVT transmissions provide a more direct power feel, mainly compared to dual-clutch transmissions and traditional AT transmissions. CVT transmissions might be slightly different—originally being continuously variable, but when shifted to M gear or S gear, they simulate several regular AT gears.

[DelGabriella]

The M gear in an automatic transmission car stands for manual mode, which means the driver can manually select the gear to control the vehicle. During daily driving, I often use the M gear on downhill sections, such as mountain roads. Manually shifting to a lower gear provides engine braking, preventing the car from being pushed by speed and enhancing safety. The switching process is simple: just shift from D to M, then use the gear lever or steering wheel paddles marked with + or - to shift up or down. This simulates the fun of a manual transmission without the hassle of pressing the clutch. It's worth noting that prolonged use at high speeds may increase engine wear, so it's best suited for specific scenarios like climbing steep slopes or accelerating more aggressively when overtaking. Don't worry—it doesn’t interfere with the regular automatic functions, and once you get used to it, you’ll find driving more flexible.

[Gary]

I've been driving for over ten years, and the M gear on automatic transmissions is my go-to helper for controlling the driving rhythm. It stands for manual mode, allowing me to decide gear changes myself. For example, when overtaking on congested highways, switching to M gear for a manual downshift makes the engine respond faster and acceleration more direct. The regular D gear can sometimes feel sluggish during automatic shifts, while M gear makes the car feel as smooth as if it's following your commands. Operationally, just a gentle push of the lever or pressing the paddle shifts it from D, then adjust the gear as needed. This mode is especially suitable for rainy and slippery road conditions, manually controlling to keep a lower gear and reduce tire slippage. Of course, beginners needn't worry—just practice a few times to get the hang of it, ensuring not to let the RPM get too high.

[ODelilah]

For beginners just starting with automatic transmissions, the M mode stands for manual mode, allowing you to adjust gears as needed. For example, when descending a slope, the automatic D mode might cause the car to coast too quickly. By switching to M mode and selecting a lower gear, you can use engine braking for safer deceleration. The operation is intuitive: simply shift the lever from D to the side and then use the + or - buttons to adjust gears. This provides more direct vehicle response, avoiding occasional hesitation from the automatic transmission. It's particularly useful for slow maneuvering in parking lots or when hauling heavy loads.