What does the R gear mean?

[Lisa]

R stands for Reverse gear, which is the abbreviation of the English word 'reverse'. Whether it's a manual or automatic transmission, R always means reverse gear. When you shift into R gear, the car will move backward. This gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling. Never use the R gear while the car is moving forward, and pay special attention to the accelerator pedal control when reversing. In addition, manual transmission cars also have numerical gears such as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Automatic transmission cars have letter gears like P, N, D, S, M, and L. Below is a detailed introduction: Introduction to Manual Transmission Numerical Gears: First gear is the starting gear, used when the car begins moving from a stop. Another meaning of the starting gear is that it is only used for starting; once the car starts moving, you need to shift to second gear. Second gear is the driving gear, used when the car is moving at low speeds. It is not meant for high-speed driving. Third gear is the acceleration gear. From this gear onward, you can use the accelerator to increase speed. Fourth gear is the medium-high-speed driving gear. In most urban roads (excluding elevated roads), this is usually the highest gear used, typically for speeds around 60-70 km/h. Fifth gear is the high-speed gear, used mainly on elevated roads or highways, generally for speeds of 80 km/h or above. Introduction to Automatic Transmission Letter Gears: P gear: 'Parking' means the parking gear, used when the car is parked. After arriving at your destination or when parking for an extended period, shift into this gear. Note: The vehicle must be completely stopped before shifting into P gear. Engaging P gear while the car is still moving can damage the automatic transmission. When in P gear, the wheels are mechanically locked to prevent the car from moving forward or backward. Always use P gear when parking on a slope. However, during short stops (e.g., at traffic lights), it's best not to shift into P gear to avoid severe transmission damage in case of a rear-end collision. N gear: 'Neutral' means the neutral gear. You can shift into this gear while waiting at traffic lights and keep your foot on the brake. If the wait is longer, it's recommended to engage the handbrake so your foot can rest. A common misconception is that shifting into N gear while coasting downhill or at high speeds saves fuel. This is incorrect and can actually damage the transmission. D gear: 'Drive' means the forward gear. Shifting into this gear and pressing the accelerator allows the car to move. In this gear, the transmission automatically shifts based on speed and throttle input. You can stay in D gear while waiting at traffic lights with your foot on the brake. However, prolonged stops in D gear can cause the transmission fluid to overheat and degrade. S gear: 'Sport' means the sport mode. Shifting into this gear delays gear changes to provide more power, typically used when overtaking. M gear: 'Manual' means manual mode. In this gear, you can manually shift gears, similar to a manual transmission. L gear: 'Low' means the low-speed gear. In this gear, the transmission stays in a low gear (equivalent to first gear in a manual transmission) and does not shift automatically. This gear is useful for climbing or descending steep slopes. The low gear provides higher torque for better uphill performance. On long descents, using L gear reduces the need for constant braking, preventing brake overheating. Precautions When Reversing: Stay calm. Nervousness can lead to dangerous actions like excessive braking or steering. Maintain a composed mindset. Don’t confuse the brake and accelerator, and ensure the correct gear is engaged. Misapplying the brake and accelerator is a common mistake for nervous beginners. Avoid sticking your head or hands out of the window, as this can affect your judgment of pedal distance. Always confirm the gear is correct before releasing the brake or pressing the accelerator. Don’t rely solely on parking sensors or others' instructions. Most parking sensors have blind spots. Before reversing, scan the parking space and use sensors as an aid. While parking attendants may assist, their guidance should not replace your judgment. Ensure safety for people around the car when reversing. Assistants should stand to the side of the car, not directly in front or behind. Be especially cautious of children, who may unpredictably enter blind spots. Avoid crowding in parking lots. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially near payment booths on slopes.