Which gear is for forward movement in an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
In an automatic transmission, the D (Drive), L (Low), and S (Sport) gears can all be used for forward movement. The forward gear is also known as the driving gear. The driver only needs to control the throttle, and the car will automatically shift gears based on speed and load changes. An automatic transmission eliminates the need for the driver to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear according to driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, an automatic transmission car has six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as follows: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport), and L (Low). Driving an automatic car using just the P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive) gears can fully meet the needs of ordinary driving. However, in some special driving environments, other functional gears may be required. Therefore, choosing the correct operation and control method can make an automatic transmission car perform even better than a manual transmission.
When I first learned to drive an automatic transmission, the instructor emphasized that you must shift to D gear to move forward. The D stands for Drive, and most automatic cars have the letters PRNDL near the gearbox. For normal driving, just push the lever all the way to the D position—this allows the throttle to control the speed while the transmission automatically shifts between gears 1 to 6. Driving on the highway in the rain with D gear is very stable, and you don’t have to worry about shifting on uphill roads. However, some models also have an S gear (Sport mode) or L gear (Low gear), which are technically forward gears but run at higher RPMs. D gear is the best for daily driving—it’s fuel-efficient and smooth. I’ve been driving with it for over three years without any issues.
After driving an automatic transmission for ten years, I've found it truly hassle-free. Just shift to D, release the brake to move, and press the accelerator to speed up. I love using D gear in congested urban areas—no need to torture my left foot with frequent gear changes like in a manual. At traffic lights, a light tap on the accelerator gets me ahead swiftly, much quicker than a manual. On highways, setting the cruise control means I only need to steer. However, for quick acceleration, I still need to press the accelerator deeply to prompt the transmission to downshift. Newer cars even come with paddle shifters for manual mode, but I usually can't be bothered and stick with D gear from start to finish. The only thing to watch out for is not to unbuckle the seatbelt and exit the car while still in D gear—that's a dangerous way to roll away.
