What is the name of the gear shift inside the car?
2 Answers
The lever used for shifting gears in a car is called a gear shift lever, also known as a gear stick. Both automatic and manual transmission cars generally have a gear shift lever. More details about the gear shift lever are as follows: 1. Manual transmission cars: The gear shift lever has positions such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, R, and N. Some manual transmissions have five forward gears, while others have six forward gears. 2. Automatic transmission gear shift lever: It has positions like P, R, N, D, and S, which correspond to Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Sport modes respectively.
When I usually drive, the component in the car used for shifting gears is commonly called the gear lever or gear stick, and its main function is to control the vehicle's speed and direction. In manual transmission cars, it is connected to the clutch, and shifting gears requires pressing the clutch and pushing the lever, which feels direct and gives a sense of control. Automatic transmission cars are much simpler—just shift to D (Drive) mode, making it smooth and effortless. It is usually located on the right side of the driver's seat, near the center console or behind the steering wheel. When I drive, I pay special attention to the timing of gear shifts. For example, I ensure the gear is in P (Park) or N (Neutral) before starting to avoid accidental movement, and I carefully check my surroundings before shifting to R (Reverse) when backing up. These habits help protect the transmission and extend its lifespan. Different car models have significant design variations—older cars may use a long lever, while newer ones might feature electronic buttons or rotary knobs for more convenient operation. Familiarizing yourself with the gear lever's position and usage can make driving safer and more comfortable, which is also a fundamental skill for everyday driving.
