What gear should be engaged when reversing?
3 Answers
When reversing, you should engage the R gear. When using the R gear, remember to pay special attention to the control of the accelerator pedal. Operation steps for manual transmission vehicles: Press the clutch with your left foot and the brake with your right foot. When the car stops reversing and comes to a standstill, use your right hand to move the gear lever from the reverse position to the neutral position. Quickly push the gear lever into first gear. Gently lift the clutch with your left foot and slowly press the accelerator with your right foot to allow the car to move forward smoothly. Operation steps for automatic transmission vehicles: After the car returns to its original position, release the accelerator with your right foot and then press the brake pedal. Once the car stops, quickly pull the gear lever from the "R" position (reverse) to the "D" position (drive) with your right hand. Gently lift the brake pedal with your right foot, and the vehicle will slowly move forward.
When reversing, you must absolutely engage the reverse gear, which is the R gear. In an automatic transmission car, you need to shift the gear lever to the position marked with an R, firmly press the brake, and slowly release it to start reversing. Manual transmission cars are different; usually, you need to press a button or move a lever to shift into reverse gear, also first pressing the clutch. Don’t underestimate this operation—shifting into the wrong gear can cause an accident. Once, in a hurry, I forgot to shift and the car was still moving, almost hitting a wall. So, new drivers should practice and familiarize themselves with the gears. From a safety perspective, before reversing, always check the rearview mirror, both sides, and the rear. Using a reversing camera is even better because there are many blind spots. Keep the speed slow when reversing, avoid distractions, especially in crowded parking lots or near sidewalks, and make it a habit to check vehicle settings to ensure everything is normal.
When reversing, you must shift to R gear, which is simple but crucial. I made a mistake when I was learning to drive—in a panic, I shifted to a forward gear, and the car didn't move backward but instead lurched forward, giving me quite a scare. With an automatic transmission, it's easy; just push the gear lever to R. For a manual transmission, you need to locate and engage the reverse gear. Remember to ensure the car is completely stopped before shifting—hold the brake or clutch. For safety, always check your surroundings before reversing to see if there are any pedestrians or small objects. It's best to move slowly and use aids like parking sensors. When I first got my license, I almost damaged the garage door while reversing—since that day, I've been extra cautious and often remind my friends to review driving rules before getting behind the wheel.
