What does the M in automatic transmission mean?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission M refers to the manual mode. A semi-automatic transmission has the function of manual mode. After shifting into the M gear, the vehicle becomes a manual transmission car, and the driver can control the gear by themselves. A semi-automatic transmission is a transmission device that combines the functions of manual and automatic transmission. It consists of a gearbox, an electronically controlled clutch, an automatic shift control mechanism, and an electronic control unit. Other gears of the automatic transmission are: 1. D gear refers to the drive gear; 2. R gear refers to the reverse gear; 3. P gear refers to the parking gear; 4. L gear refers to the low gear; 5. N gear refers to the neutral gear; 6. W gear refers to the snow and rain gear; 7. S gear refers to the sport mode driving gear.
Last time I drove up the mountain, I noticed an 'M' gear in the automatic transmission. At first, I thought it was a malfunction, but later learned it stands for manual mode. Simply put, it allows the car to shift gears like a manual transmission but without needing to press the clutch, making it easier to control speed on slopes. For example, when descending a steep slope, shifting to M mode and manually downshifting to 1st or 2nd gear enables engine braking, reducing brake pad wear. It's not usually needed on highways, but it's incredibly useful in complex road conditions. Just be careful not to make sudden downshifts, as that can cause the RPM to spike. Many cars now have this feature—mine even has paddle shifters on the steering wheel, allowing quick and easy gear changes with a flick, making driving more engaging and even saving some fuel. In short, the M mode is a great tool to enhance the driving experience, and I recommend practicing with it to get familiar.
