What is the function of the button on the gear shift?
2 Answers
The function of the button on the gear shift is to prevent accidental gear changes by requiring the button to be pressed before shifting. This button is known as the gear shift lock and is present on the gear shift handle of automatic transmission vehicles. Automatic transmission gear arrangements commonly come in two types: straight-line and serpentine. Straight-line automatic transmissions are prone to accidental gear shifts due to unintended contact, hence the inclusion of a lock button. On the other hand, serpentine gear arrangements inherently have a limiting function that prevents accidental operation, so they do not require a lock button. The gear positions in an automatic transmission car include: P for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive, L for Low gear, S for Sport mode, and OD for Overdrive.
I've been driving for over 20 years and am very familiar with that small button on the gear shift. It's called the shift lock button, and its main function is to prevent accidental gear changes while driving. Specifically, when shifting from P (Park) to other gears, you must simultaneously press the brake pedal and this button to move the gear lever. This design is particularly practical - for instance, once when my child was randomly touching the gear shift in the car, it was this button's presence that prevented an accident. Nowadays, almost all new cars have this feature, ensuring no accidental gear changes even on bumpy roads. You also need to press the button before shifting into P when parking, ensuring the transmission is completely locked. Developing the habit of pressing the button when shifting gears is truly important as it can prevent many potential safety hazards.
