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What is the M gear in an automatic transmission?

2 Answers

DelAriana

07/24/25 1:05am

M gear is the manual mode of an automatic transmission car. M stands for Manual, meaning entering the manual shifting mode. In manual mode, by manually pushing the gear lever to M+ or M-, the transmission computer will receive commands to upshift or downshift, and then the computer will control the transmission to shift accordingly, simulating manual transmission shifting. Here are the methods for using the M gear: 1. Downshifting to overtake: Switch to M gear, and after the driver presses the accelerator, the vehicle can instantly accelerate with the high torque of a lower gear, completing the overtaking action faster, saving time, and making overtaking safer. 2. Downhill: When an automatic transmission car is going downhill for a long distance, the speed will continuously increase, requiring the use of brakes to control the speed. However, by using the M gear and switching to a lower gear, engine braking can be used to reduce speed, making it safer and also avoiding transmission wear. 3. Uphill: When going uphill, there might be traffic jams. If driving a car with a manual-automatic transmission, keeping the gear in 1st gear is a good way to protect the car's transmission. 4. Highway driving: Using manual mode on the highway allows for quicker acceleration. During emergency braking, transmission braking can also be utilized. When driving at high speed and needing to brake, while pressing the brake pedal, quickly pull the gear lever back continuously to force the car to downshift to a lower gear.

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KathrynRose

08/10/25 8:45pm

I've always found the M gear in automatic transmission cars to be a very practical setting, as it represents manual mode. In daily driving, I've been driving automatics for several years, and while D gear is convenient enough, the M gear makes manual shifting more intuitive in certain scenarios. For example, when climbing steep slopes, switching to M gear and selecting a lower gear provides stronger engine output and traction, making it easier to tackle challenges. On downhill roads, using a lower gear for engine braking prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing out. In snowy or muddy conditions, manual shifting can prevent wheel spin and ensure stable driving. The operation is quite simple: shift from D to M, then use the steering wheel buttons or gear lever to manually shift up or down. However, it's important to note not to downshift too low at high speeds, as this could cause the engine to over-rev and potentially damage the car. Overall, the M gear enhances driving flexibility, especially for someone like me who often drives on rural roads. It makes driving safer and more controllable, and I enjoy activating it at the right moments to add to the driving pleasure.

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