What is the button on the automatic gear lever for?

[OscarLynn]

The button on the automatic gear lever is called the gear lock or shift lock button. The function and precautions of this button are as follows: Function of the button: Without pressing this button, you cannot freely shift gears, which prevents accidental gear changes. It serves two purposes: first, it prevents the driver from accidentally shifting into the wrong gear, which could cause the vehicle to move forward or backward unexpectedly and lead to an accident; second, it protects the transmission by preventing gear damage and extending the transmission's lifespan. Precautions: Driving an automatic transmission vehicle using only the Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D) gears is sufficient for general driving needs. However, in certain special driving conditions, other functional gears may be required. Therefore, if the correct control method is chosen, an automatic transmission vehicle can perform better than a manual one. Since the automatic transmission contains a hydraulic transmission mechanism and the fluid flow has a certain inertia that cannot change abruptly, it is best to shift into Reverse (R) only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. It is strictly prohibited to shift the gear lever into Park (P) before the vehicle has fully stopped. After parking, the engine must be turned off and the gear shifted into Park (P) before the key can be removed. Many people have the habit of stopping the vehicle, shifting directly into Park (P), turning off the engine, and then applying the handbrake.

[Eli]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over thirty years, and that button on the gear lever is a safety lock design. Every time you want to shift from Park (P) to Drive (D) or Reverse (R), you need to press it to move the gear lever. This prevents accidental gear shifts, such as at traffic lights where unintentionally bumping the lever could cause the car to roll or stall. When I was younger and on long-distance trips, I once saw a colleague forget to press the button, and the car nearly veered off the road. Make it a habit: when starting the car, first press the brake, then lightly press the button with your finger before shifting gears to ensure the operation is intentional. This is crucial for both new and experienced drivers, helping to avoid vehicle malfunctions or unnecessary repairs. It makes driving much more reassuring.

[VonCassandra]

I just got my driver's license. When learning automatic transmission, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the button on the gear lever. It's a release button that must be pressed down before shifting gears, such as from P to D. If not pressed, the gear lever gets stuck and won't move, which is quite safe. During driving lessons, I often forgot to press it, and the car wouldn't move, making the instructor laugh at me for being too gentle. Now I understand its purpose—it prevents accidental gear shifts while driving, like when turning or in parking lots where your hand might slip and select the wrong gear. Beginners just need to practice a few more times to get used to it, which helps build driving confidence.

[StPresley]

The gear lever button is essentially a mechanical safety switch. It must be pressed to unlock the mechanism during gear shifting, ensuring the operation is intentional rather than accidental. In most automatic transmission vehicles, this design works in conjunction with the brake signal—the button triggers the lock release when you press the brake pedal. However, manual pressing is more reliable, eliminating risks from electronic failures. Familiarity with it helps prevent accidents and enhances vehicle control. This simple yet practical design embodies a safety-first philosophy.