What does the M gear mean?

[ColeMarie]

m gear is the manual mode of an automatic transmission. When the driver manually pushes the gear lever to M+ or M-, it sends commands to the transmission computer to upshift or downshift. The computer then controls the transmission to shift gears as required, simulating the feeling of manual shifting. The techniques for using the M gear in a manual-automatic transmission are as follows: 1. Downshifting to overtake: When overtaking, if in D gear, the vehicle speed will not increase rapidly by pressing the accelerator hard, and you can only overtake by sequentially upshifting. However, when switching to M gear and pressing the accelerator, the vehicle can utilize the high torque of a lower gear to accelerate instantly, completing the overtaking action more quickly. 2. Descending a slope: When going down a long slope, if driving an automatic transmission, the vehicle speed will uncontrollably keep increasing, and you can only apply the brakes at the right time while coasting. But if you engage the manual mode when descending a slope and pull the gear lever backward to shift into a lower gear, you can fully utilize engine braking to reduce speed. When reaching the bottom of the slope, you can quickly upshift or switch back to automatic mode, resuming normal driving promptly. 3. Ascending a slope: Use the manual mode of the manual-automatic transmission to limit the gear to 1st to handle frequent slope starts. This operation also protects the transmission.

[FelixDella]

I've been driving for over twenty years, and the M mode on an automatic transmission stands for manual mode, allowing you to control when to shift gears without needing to press the clutch pedal. Normally, with an automatic transmission, the system handles the shifting timing automatically. But when you switch to M mode, you can use the gear lever or paddle shifters on the steering wheel to upshift or downshift. This is incredibly useful—for example, lower gears provide stability when climbing hills, while higher gears help slow the car down more safely on steep descents. I remember using it on mountain roads to control the RPM, and the engine responded much faster, avoiding the jerks from frequent gear changes. Although it’s not as flexible as a pure manual car, it’s easy to operate and suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers. Just be careful not to rev the engine too high to avoid damage—safety first. In short, mastering this mode significantly improves driving flexibility.

[VanGenevieve]

As a racing enthusiast, the M mode represents manual control for me, allowing me to experience the thrill of driving a manual transmission in an automatic car. When you shift to M mode, the dashboard displays the current gear, and you can use the gear lever or paddle shifters to upshift or downshift at any time, deciding the timing based on road conditions. During corner acceleration or overtaking, manual shifting offers more direct response, making it feel like driving a sports car—control and engagement are off the charts. Additionally, on highways, cruising in higher gears saves fuel, while lower gears make climbing hills effortless. I often use it for fun during weekend getaways, finding it more enjoyable than pure automatic mode. But a reminder: the system has protective mechanisms, so even misoperation won’t cause any issues with the car.

[JayceLee]

I haven't been driving for long, and only recently learned that the M gear in automatic transmissions is for manual shifting. Simply put, it lets you manually decide when to shift up or down, bypassing the automatic system. The operation is straightforward: push the gear lever to M, the dashboard will display the current gear number, then use the + and - symbols to shift. This is especially useful in snow or slippery conditions, where lower gears help with stable deceleration. I've tried it a few times and found it easier to control than full manual shifting. New drivers can practice until comfortable before using it on the road.