What is the M gear function of the Buick GL8?

[MacAlaina]

M gear is the manual shifting mode of an automatic transmission. How to use M gear: When the vehicle's gear lever is in M gear, there are '+' and '-' signs next to the gear lever. After shifting into M gear, pushing towards the '-' direction will downshift, and pushing towards the '+' direction will upshift. Functions of M gear: The manual mode allows the driver to shift up or down manually. When descending long or steep slopes, the manual mode can lock the transmission in a lower gear. If relying solely on the braking system to slow down during long or steep descents, it may cause the braking system temperature to rise rapidly, leading to heat fade or loss of braking power. When climbing steep or long slopes, the manual mode can also be used to stay in a lower gear, providing greater vehicle torque and making it easier to climb.

[LauraMarie]

After driving a Buick GL8 for several years, I've gained quite some experience with its M mode function. Essentially, it's the manual shift mode that allows me to manually control gears within the automatic transmission. During long-distance drives, especially when descending steep mountain slopes, I switch to M mode to downshift. This engages engine braking to assist with deceleration, preventing brake overheating and significantly enhancing safety. When overtaking on highways, manually dropping to a lower gear raises the engine RPM for more responsive acceleration. However, it's crucial to avoid prolonged high-RPM operation as it increases fuel consumption and may harm the transmission. The manual gear control also proves useful in slippery rainy conditions or when climbing slopes with heavy loads, providing better vehicle stability. In summary, M mode adds flexibility to MPVs like the GL8, but should be used judiciously – it's a confidence booster in critical driving situations.

[OMiguel]

I really like the M mode in the Buick GL8. As a manual mode, it allows you to shift gears using the steering wheel paddles. It makes driving more exciting, with quick manual upshifts and downshifts that enhance the acceleration feel during overtaking or speeding up, unlike the sluggishness of automatic transmission. Despite its size, the GL8 delivers a sporty feel, especially when occasionally switching to manual mode on highways or open roads, making the vehicle more responsive. However, in normal comfort mode, it's primarily designed for fuel efficiency. Don't treat manual mode like a racing mode—overuse may increase fuel consumption or wear out parts. Remember to manually shift to control speed when starting on slopes or navigating sharp turns, which is quite practical, but on regular roads, it's better to stick with automatic mode.

[OParker]

As a GL8 owner who often shuttles family members, the M mode proves quite practical. It's a manual shift function where you simply push the gear lever to select gears. For instance, when climbing steep slopes with a fully loaded trunk, manually shifting to lower gears prevents rollback. On rainy or snowy slippery roads, using lower gears to limit speed reduces brake usage for safer driving. During highway crosswinds, manual control helps maintain steady speed. While I rarely use it during daily commutes, this feature becomes invaluable in critical situations. Occasionally employing this function when my car is fully loaded makes the GL8 feel more controllable - just remember not to overuse it at the expense of comfort.