What is the R gear position?
2 Answers
R stands for Reverse gear, designed to enable the vehicle to move backward, which is a special driving gear. The working principle of the R gear is as follows: when the R gear is engaged, the hydraulic system's reverse gear oil circuit is activated, causing the drive wheels to rotate in reverse, thus achieving reverse movement. When the driver shifts the gear lever to the reverse position, the direction of the power input from the engine remains unchanged, while the internal reverse output gear of the transmission connects with the output shaft, driving the output shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, which in turn causes the wheels to rotate backward for reversing. Methods for using the reverse gear: 1. Manual transmission vehicles: After bringing the vehicle to a complete stop, first press the clutch and brake, then shift into reverse gear, followed by a half-clutch and slight throttle operation. 2. Automatic transmission vehicles: The brake pedal must be pressed, and the safety button on the gear lever must be pressed or the gear lever must be pushed down to engage or disengage the R gear. The P (Park) and N (Neutral) gears can be directly switched to the R gear, but when switching between forward gears and the R gear, it is advisable to pause at the N gear to reduce the impact of reverse oil flow within the transmission during gear shifting.
When I first started learning to drive, I was also confused about the gear symbols. The R gear you mentioned is actually the reverse gear, specifically used to make the car move backward. During my time at driving school, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that before reversing, you must press the brake to stop the car completely, then shift to R gear before starting the operation. Otherwise, it could damage the transmission or cause an accident. When reversing, the rear of the car will automatically light up with red lights to alert others to stay clear, and modern cars even have rearview cameras to help you see blind spots. Beginners should practice reversing in open spaces or empty parking spots more often, such as moving slowly when entering a parking space. Avoid pressing the accelerator too quickly or turning the steering wheel too fast, as it’s easy to hit a pole or a person. Safety comes first—it’s advisable to regularly check the responsiveness of the gears to ensure smooth shifting and develop good habits to reduce risks.
