When to Use the +- in D Gear?
4 Answers
The following is a detailed introduction to the usage of +- in automatic D gear: 1. Use when going uphill or downhill: When frequently climbing long or steep slopes, if the automatic transmission's computer controls the gear shifting, there may be periods of gear dragging. This manifests as high gear with low speed, causing the engine to lack power and shake violently, increasing the chance of incorrect air-fuel ratio. Incomplete combustion of the mixture can easily produce a large amount of carbon deposits, and fuel consumption will also increase. Using manual mode at this time can effectively reduce the occurrence of such situations. When going downhill, avoid coasting in neutral and use the engine's resistance to reduce the burden on the braking system. Manual mode can be used to lower the gear instead of relying on the computer's speed control, appropriately lowering one or two gears to effectively assist braking. 2. Use when overtaking or starting: When overtaking, the manual mode D+ or D- of the automatic transmission can be used to manually intervene and downshift for more power. This also applies when starting, especially in racing competitions or when waiting at traffic lights.
Speaking of the + and - parts of the D gear, they are actually the gear shift buttons for manual mode. I always find opportunities to try them out in my daily driving. For example, when driving uphill on mountain roads, I use the minus button to downshift, which increases the car's power, making it easier to climb without feeling strained—especially useful on steep sections. Conversely, on long downhill stretches, I downshift in advance to use engine braking, avoiding excessive brake use and overheating—safety first. In daily traffic jams, manually maintaining a lower gear ensures smoother starts and reduces jerking. Sometimes, I also downshift for a quick acceleration boost when overtaking—the response is very fast. Just avoid randomly upshifting on highways, as it can cause unstable RPM or fuel waste. Overall, this feature is best used flexibly in specific driving scenarios to boost confidence behind the wheel.
As an owner who enjoys driving pleasure, I find the + and - buttons in D gear to be my good friends while driving, especially bringing surprises on uneven roads. When I'm speeding through mountain curves, I switch to manual mode and downshift—the engine sound becomes louder, acceleration is quicker, and it gives a sense of direct control. Even during highway overtaking, I prefer downshifting to instantly raise the RPM, delivering a more aggressive power output. On rainy or snowy slippery roads, downshifting helps stabilize the vehicle and prevent skidding, enhancing safety. Practicing upshifts and downshifts a few times during free moments helps familiarize myself with the car's performance, but avoid over-reliance to prevent unnecessary wear. This feature is great for occasional thrills, but for daily commuting, automatic mode is more hassle-free.
Having driven for many years, I often remind myself not to randomly shift gears in D mode—it can be life-saving in critical moments. This is mainly used in dangerous scenarios like climbing or descending hills: downshift when climbing steep slopes to increase torque and avoid stalling; downshift when descending to rely on engine braking and reduce brake wear. Emergency downshifting for overtaking can also improve acceleration and safety. On icy or snowy roads, manually controlling lower gears helps prevent skidding. In other situations, automatic mode is sufficient, and there's no need to constantly adjust gears, which wastes fuel. New drivers should first check the manual to confirm their vehicle's support for these features. A simple rule: use manual functions only for slope control or emergencies.
