What does the M gear in an automatic transmission car mean?
2 Answers
M gear stands for manual mode. Below are the related functions of the M gear: 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 for free adjustment; gear shifting will only be executed within safe parameters, meaning it will only perform upshifts or downshifts within the set safety limits. Enhancing driving pleasure: In manual-automatic mode, there is almost no need to worry about damaging the car or stalling due to your own operations. More often, it serves to satisfy a bit of your driving pleasure. Differences: The CVT transmission offers a more direct power feel, mainly compared to dual-clutch transmissions and traditional AT transmissions. The CVT transmission might feel slightly different—originally, it is a continuously variable transmission, but when shifted into M gear or S gear, it simulates several regular AT gears.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for several years and particularly enjoy using the M gear (manual mode) when tackling mountain roads on weekends. It essentially turns your automatic into a manual, allowing you to control gear shifts yourself. While the car handles gear changes automatically in D mode, switching to M lets you use paddle shifters or the +/- on the gear lever to select lower or higher gears. For example, dropping to a lower gear on steep climbs keeps the engine at higher RPMs for more power, making ascents effortless. Similarly, using lower gears downhill employs engine braking, reducing brake pad wear. This approach also saves fuel, especially when manually upshifting for highway overtakes—delivering quicker, more stable responses. However, be cautious not to downshift abruptly at high speeds, as over-revving can damage the engine. Beginners should practice on flat roads first. In short, M mode adds fun and control to driving, but use it wisely—don’t treat it like a game.
