What does the plus and minus sign on D gear mean?

[MacElijah]

D gear with a plus and minus sign indicates the manual mode of the transmission. First, press the brake and pull the gear lever downward to shift into D gear, then push the lever to the right to engage the manual mode. When you need to shift gears, push the lever forward to upshift by one gear or pull it backward to downshift by one gear. The D gear in an automatic transmission does not have the engine braking function and will continuously shift to higher gears as the speed increases downhill, causing the vehicle to go faster and faster. This requires constant use of the foot brake to control the speed, which can easily lead to overheating and failure of the brakes due to excessive use, posing a significant danger. Therefore, when driving an automatic transmission car on a long downhill slope, never use the D gear to avoid accidents.

[StOlivia]

After driving for so many years, I've always found the plus and minus signs next to the D gear on automatic transmissions to be a particularly practical design. This feature is called manual mode, allowing drivers to control gear shifts when needed. Pushing the gear lever or paddle to the plus sign + upshifts for higher speed and better fuel efficiency; pushing the minus sign - downshifts for more power when climbing steep hills or overtaking. I remember the first time I used it was going downhill on a mountain road—downshifting engaged engine braking to help control speed without heavy braking, making it much safer. New drivers might need some time to get used to it and should avoid random downshifting at high speeds to prevent engine roaring. Modern cars come with protective mechanisms, so it generally won’t damage the transmission, and the driving experience remains smooth.

[CharlieFitz]

I often use the manual shift mode (the +/- signs behind the D gear) during long-distance drives. Simply put, '+' upshifts for speed and fuel efficiency on highways, while '-' downshifts for engine braking, ideal for climbing or overtaking. Once on a steep suburban hill, when upshifting lacked power, a quick downshift instantly boosted horsepower. My old car lacked this feature, often struggling with gear transitions. Nowadays, most new cars have it, and frequent use proves more flexible than full-auto, especially reducing jerkiness in stop-and-go traffic. Maintenance isn’t troublesome, but familiarize yourself with the feel before driving—avoid random shifts.

[MacValentina]

The plus and minus functions of an automatic transmission car are quite ingenious. They are based on the transmission control unit and activate the manual mode when in Drive (D) gear. Pushing the '+' commands an upshift, increasing the gear to save fuel; pushing the '-' downshifts to release torque, such as on steep slopes or snowy roads to enhance traction. The principle is that the driver's input signals are sent to the computer, which simulates manual shifting for you, but without the actual clutch issues. I've tried it in different car models, and the response is quick without delay, making driving feel like playing a simple game, but be sure not to frequently make incorrect operations. The electronic systems are foolproof, so you can use them with peace of mind.

[DiCourtney]

As a safe driving habit, I always recommend utilizing the +/- function in D gear, especially during long descents. Pushing to the minus sign can downshift to decelerate, using engine braking to protect the brakes from wear; it also increases traction on slippery roads. However, beginners often overlook that high-speed downshifting may cause a sudden surge in RPM, posing risks, so it's advisable to use it only above 30 kilometers per hour. Before every trip, I check the dashboard to ensure the gear indicator is normal—no warning lights mean it's okay. Most modern cars automatically detect to prevent accidents, but don't rely too much on it; staying alert is safer. Regular maintenance to check the transmission fluid condition can prevent issues.

[McAutumn]

On my commute, I often rely on the D mode with plus/minus for fuel efficiency. For example, pushing '+' to upshift in D mode and maintaining a steady speed on highways can significantly reduce fuel consumption; during traffic jams, tapping '-' enhances responsiveness and reduces frequent start-stop cycles. After driving automatic transmissions for so many years, mastering this little trick has made daily commutes more worry-free, especially during winter slopes where increasing torque provides extra stability. Remember to gently nudge the gear lever during operation—no need to force it. Older models might feel slightly sticky, but newer ones operate smoothly. Overall, it's quite convenient, and no need to worry about maintenance—just stick to regular oil changes.