What does the M in automatic transmission mean?
2 Answers
M gear is the manual mode in vehicles with a manual-automatic transmission. Engaging this gear allows you to switch to manual driving. Below are the relevant details: 1. Only vehicles equipped with a manual-automatic transmission function will have an M gear. The M gear is the manual mode, where you manually push the gear lever to M+ or M- to simulate the feeling of manual shifting. However, if the engine speed is too high or too low, the protection program will automatically shift up or down. 2. Manual shifting up or down can be done by pressing the corresponding button or moving the gear lever left/right or up/down to adjust freely. The shift operation will only be executed within the safe parameters, meaning it will only perform the shift if it falls within the preset safe range for upshifting or downshifting. 3. Generally, transmissions with an M gear will also have a + and - sign nearby. Shifting can be done by pushing the gear lever forward or backward or using the steering wheel paddle shifters. Unlike a manual transmission, there is no need to release the throttle when shifting—simply increase or decrease the gear directly.
In my daily driving experience, I've found that the 'M' symbol on automatic transmission cars actually stands for manual mode. When you switch to this gear while driving, the transmission no longer shifts automatically. Instead, you manually control the gear shifts using buttons or the gear lever. This is particularly useful in certain situations, such as when climbing mountain roads or descending steep slopes. I often switch to M mode to manually downshift, utilizing engine braking to control speed, reduce brake pad wear, and prevent accidents caused by overheating brakes. Or when overtaking on highways, I manually downshift to lower gears to improve responsiveness, making instant acceleration more powerful. However, be careful not to damage the engine if the tachometer approaches the red zone without upshifting. Overall, manual mode makes driving an automatic transmission less monotonous, adding some fun and a sense of control. I recommend practicing thoroughly before using it frequently.
