What is the D gear?

[MacKeira]

D gear is the drive or forward gear. When the gear lever is placed in D, the vehicle will automatically shift gears based on throttle opening and speed data. This gear is suitable for normal road driving, where the driver controls the speed by adjusting the accelerator pedal. Relevant information about automatic transmission is as follows: 1. Definition of automatic transmission: Automatic transmission refers to not needing to shift gears while driving, with the advantage over manual transmission being easier to drive. 2. Gears of automatic transmission: Generally, there are six gear positions on an automatic transmission car, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. Automatic transmissions include continuously variable transmission (CVT), electronic paddle shifters, and electronic gear lever shifting. There are three types of transmissions available in the market: manual transmission, automatic transmission, and semi-automatic transmission.

[VanLiam]

I've been driving for decades, and the D gear is essentially the drive gear—just shift into it and the car moves forward normally. This is most common in automatic transmission vehicles, usually positioned right next to the P (Park) and R (Reverse) gears for convenience. To get the car moving, first turn the key to start the engine, press the brake pedal, shift from P to D, and release the brake to go. Don’t underestimate it—the D gear automatically shifts based on speed, adapting to both high and low speeds while saving fuel. But I must warn you: never suddenly shift to N (Neutral) at high speeds—it’s extremely dangerous and could cause loss of control. Also, some cars have D1 or D2 sub-gears for climbing hills or muddy roads, but for daily driving, D is sufficient. In short, it’s the core of safe driving—just avoid randomly fiddling with the gear lever.

[McTravis]

When I first got my driver's license, I was quite confused about the D gear. Now I understand—it's the standard gear for moving the car forward. In an automatic transmission car, P is for parking, R is for reverse, and D handles all forward movements. Once you shift into it, the car starts smoothly. Every morning when I drive to work and get stuck in traffic at intersections during rush hour, I usually keep it in D gear. It shifts automatically, saving me the hassle of manual shifting. Beginners often make mistakes, like stomping on the accelerator too hard when starting in D gear, which wears out the tires. Also, when waiting at a red light, keeping it in D is fine—no need to shift back and forth, saving both battery and fuel. I think the D gear is designed to be simple and efficient, and once you get used to it, you'll appreciate its benefits.

[Luca]

As a car enthusiast, I understand that D stands for Drive, a forward gear specifically designed for automatic transmissions. Unlike manual cars, automatics use it to shift gears automatically, eliminating the need for manual clutch operation or gear changes while driving, making it convenient and efficient. In comparison, P locks the wheels, R is for reverse, N is neutral, and only D allows the car to move forward steadily, suitable for both regular roads and highways. Some models also have a Sport mode, but the basic D gear is sufficient for daily use. I've researched why it's called D gear—because it drives the vehicle forward, simple and straightforward. I recommend beginners practice more with D gear to familiarize themselves with the car's response.