What is that lever in a manual transmission called?
2 Answers
The lever used for shifting gears in a car is called the gear shift lever, also known as the gear stick. Both automatic and manual transmission cars have a gear shift lever. Here is an introduction to the gears: 1. Gear positions on a manual transmission gear shift lever: Manual transmission cars have gear positions such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, R, and N on the gear shift lever. Some manual transmissions have five forward gears, while others have six. 2. Gear positions on an automatic transmission gear shift lever: Automatic transmission gear shift levers have positions like P, R, N, D, and S, which correspond to Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Sport modes, respectively. Some automatic transmissions also have an L gear, where L stands for Low, meaning low-speed gear.
That lever in a manual transmission, which we drivers commonly refer to as the gear shift, is responsible for changing gears, allowing the car to operate at different speeds. I remember when I first learned to drive, the instructor said this was crucial and must be used in coordination with the clutch; otherwise, the car could easily stall. In practical driving, it helps control the vehicle's speed—using lower gears in city traffic jams and higher gears on highways to save fuel. I've also noticed that the design of the gear shift varies in some car models; some are smoother, while others are stiffer, affecting the driving experience. I recommend that beginners practice more to avoid forcefully pulling or pushing, which could damage the gears. If it occasionally gets stuck, it might be due to insufficient lubrication or wear, so timely maintenance can extend its lifespan. Overall, this lever makes manual transmission cars more fun to drive, offering much more enjoyment than automatic transmissions.
