What does the plus and minus sign above the D in an automatic transmission mean?

[McDaniela]

The plus and minus signs on an automatic transmission represent the manual mode. In manual mode, the driver can manually shift up or down, similar to driving a manual transmission car. The car will not automatically shift gears. Generally, only automatic transmissions with manual mode (often referred to as "tiptronic" or "manumatic") will have these symbols. Most often, there is also an "M" letter between the plus and minus signs. Above and below the "M" letter, there are usually two dot symbols. Pushing the gear lever toward the "-" direction will downshift by one gear, while pushing it toward the "+" direction will upshift by one gear. Switching to manual mode is also very simple: if the plus and minus signs are on the left side of the "D" position, move the gear lever to the left; if they are on the right side, move it to the right. The car can be switched to manual mode at any time, without restrictions on timing, RPM, etc. The transmission will automatically match the appropriate gear based on the real-time speed of the vehicle.

[BentleyLynn]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for almost ten years. When I first bought the car, I was confused by the plus and minus signs next to the D gear. Later, after trying it out, I realized it's the manual shift mode, allowing you to control gear shifting yourself. For example, when climbing a long slope and the car lacks power, I press the minus button to downshift, instantly increasing the RPM, making the climb much easier. When going downhill, using the plus button to upshift makes the engine automatically slow down and hold the speed, avoiding excessive and overheating brakes, thus protecting the system's safety. On highways, when I want to overtake, pressing the minus button gives an instant speed boost and a push-back feeling. The advantage is that it adds some fun compared to pure automatic transmission and saves a bit of fuel. But be careful, frequent improper operation can damage transmission components, so it's better to use it sparingly.

[MacEdward]

As a car enthusiast, I've studied the mechanism of automatic transmissions. The plus and minus symbols near the D gear represent the manual shift function. Pushing the plus sign means upshifting, making the engine run smoother and quieter at high speeds; the minus sign is for downshifting, increasing RPM and torque for rapid acceleration. In fact, many modern automatic transmissions like CVT or dual-clutch support this mode. It was originally designed to give drivers more precise control in specific scenarios such as sharp turns or steep slopes, simulating the feel of manual transmission. Simply push the paddle shifters or the side button on the gear lever to use it. The system has safeguards to prevent improper shifting that could harm the car, and it can also be combined with Eco mode for fuel efficiency. Don't forget to regularly maintain the transmission fluid to avoid malfunctions.

[Lane]

I just got my driver's license not long ago, and I noticed there are plus and minus signs next to the D gear on my friend's car. Not knowing what they were for, I tried using them. Pushing the minus button to downshift made the car suddenly accelerate with a lot of power; pushing the plus button to upshift made the acceleration smoother. The instructor told me this is manual mode—downshifting gives more power for uphill driving or racing, while upshifting saves fuel during high-speed cruising. After practicing a few times, I got familiar with it. Don't worry about making mistakes; the computer controls the safe range, making it quite suitable for beginners to practice driving.

[LaLola]

Having driven for half my life, I find the plus/minus function in D mode incredibly practical. When encountering steep slopes during daily driving, I push the minus to downshift, letting the engine increase torque for effortless uphill climbs while saving the brakes. On downhill sections, I use the plus to upshift and control speed, ensuring smoothness and engine protection. In city traffic jams, I occasionally push the minus for a quick acceleration to overtake, which is convenient without causing chaos. The key is to remember not to overuse it to avoid damaging the transmission, and regular checks on the shifting system ensure safety.

[Rafael]

Commuting 50km daily, I save a lot on fuel using the D-mode +/- buttons. Pushing '-' at red lights gives quick acceleration to get going, while '+' on highways upshifts for lower RPM and better fuel efficiency. Downshifting provides steadier traction on wet slippery roads to prevent skidding. Avoid overusing this mode in heavy traffic to prevent system strain—activate it occasionally. Simply toggle the buttons on the gearshift side for instant effect, and maintaining the transmission well extends your car's lifespan.