What does the M gear mean in an automatic transmission car?

[VanAlivia]

Automatic transmission M gear means the following: 1. M gear, the abbreviation of Manual, is the manual mode. When shifted into M gear, it becomes manual mode, requiring manual shifting. The so-called manual mode is to add electronic control devices to the automatic transmission, so that the transmission will follow the operator's instructions to upshift and downshift. 2. In M gear mode, the driver can upshift or downshift, which is equivalent to driving a manual transmission car. In manual mode, the transmission is simulated as a manual transmission, and the transmission will not automatically shift gears. When shifted into M gear, there are no time, speed or other restrictions, and the transmission will automatically match the appropriate gear according to the real-time speed.

[OMaximus]

My old Accord has been running for eight years, and I love using the M mode on mountain roads. The manual mode of the transmission isn't just for show—it's especially useful during long descents. Engaging M3 for engine braking prevents the brake pads from overheating and smoking. Overtaking is also a breeze; just drop a gear, and the throttle response is instant, much smarter than stomping on the accelerator. Some new cars even equip the M mode with paddle shifters—a quick flick can rev the engine straight to 4000 RPM, making it two to three times more responsive than the regular D mode. Just be careful not to keep it in low gear with high revs for too long, as it can damage the transmission.

[ValentinaLee]

I remember when I first bought the car, the 4S store salesperson taught me the clever use of the M gear. Now, every time I drive on slippery roads, I habitually switch to manual mode and lock it in second gear to start, preventing the wheels from skidding uncontrollably. Once after a heavy rain on the elevated road, five cars in front of me collided in a pile-up, and it was the M gear that allowed me to downshift promptly and brake in time. Manual mode can also save some fuel; cruising at 1500 rpm saves half a liter compared to automatic mode. Beginners are advised to try it a few more times, and remember to upshift promptly when the gear number on the dashboard flashes red.

[Grayson]

The M mode is a lifesaver when going on road trips with kids! Whether going uphill or downhill on mountain roads, there's no need to stomp on the brakes—just shift to M2, and the engine's roar keeps the speed in check. Once at a rest stop, I saw an SUV billowing smoke after its brakes gave out from constant downhill braking in D mode. Last week, coming back from skiing with the kids, the icy mountain road was no match for M1—it crawled down more steadily than snow chains. And for sudden acceleration in an automatic car, just slap it down a couple of gears, and the car leaps forward instantly.