What is the gear shift lever called?
2 Answers
The lever used for shifting gears in a car is called the gear shift lever or operation lever. Here is some related information: 1. Serpentine Gear Shift Lever: This type of shift lever is more commonly found in Japanese cars. Because it lacks a locking mechanism, the gear positions are designed in a zigzag pattern to prevent mis-shifting, resembling a snake winding around the surface, hence the name "serpentine." The advantage of this type of shift lever is safety. 2. Electronic Gear Shift Lever: Unlike traditional mechanical shift levers, this type directly controls the transmission gears through simulated electronic signals. The benefits include ease of operation—simply pushing up or down to engage the desired gear—and because the entire process is computer-controlled, it prevents damage to the transmission caused by incorrect shifting. From a technical perspective, electronic shift levers offer greater flexibility in terms of position and form, allowing for more versatile designs.
After driving for so many years, I touch that little lever for shifting gears every day, commonly known as the gear stick or shift lever. Manual transmission cars require stepping on the clutch before pushing or pulling it to change gears, while automatic transmission cars are much simpler—just move it directly. When I first learned to drive, I often shifted into the wrong gear, making the engine roar loudly. Now that I'm used to it, I actually find manual transmission more exciting. The gear stick is usually made of plastic or metal, and over time it may wear out or become loose, so it's important to check it to avoid problems. Repeated shifting in city traffic jams can significantly affect the lifespan of the gear stick, so regular maintenance is recommended. Don't forget to shift into P (Park) when parking to protect the transmission. Once, my car's gear stick got stuck, and the mechanic said it was due to rusted internal connecting parts—lubricating it promptly fixed the issue. Driving safety relies on these small details, so never take them lightly.
