What does the +- on an automatic transmission car mean?
2 Answers
In an automatic transmission car, the +- is used for shifting gears up and down after switching to manual mode. To upshift, push the gear lever in the "+" direction, and to downshift, push it in the "-" direction. Below is some relevant information about automatic transmissions: 1. Introduction to automatic transmissions: As the name suggests, an automatic transmission does not require the driver to shift gears manually. The vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. 2. Working principle: An automatic transmission uses planetary gear mechanisms to shift gears. It can automatically change gears based on the degree of throttle pedal pressure and changes in vehicle speed. The driver only needs to control the speed by operating the accelerator pedal.
When I bought my car before, I was also puzzled by these symbols, but later realized that the +/- on an automatic transmission represents the manual shift mode. Pressing '+' upshifts to a higher gear, making the engine run smoother, while '-' downshifts to a lower gear, increasing torque or slowing the car down. This is super useful when climbing steep hills, descending long slopes, or overtaking quickly—for example, I often use '-' to downshift for engine braking on downhill slopes, reducing brake wear. Modern cars usually have these buttons near the gear lever or behind the steering wheel, with the gear number displayed on the dashboard as a reminder. Although automatic mode is dominant, this manual control adds fun and safety. I recommend practicing in an open area to get familiar with it without harming the engine.
