Which gear is M1?
2 Answers
M1 refers to the first gear in manual mode. It is commonly used when going up or down slopes, entering underground parking garages, in heavy traffic, or when following other vehicles. When shifted into M mode, the transmission switches to manual operation, requiring the driver to manually change gears. The gear shift lever will have symbols indicating plus and minus; pushing the lever toward the plus symbol shifts up one gear, while pushing it toward the minus symbol shifts down one gear. Common automatic transmission gear positions include P, N, R, D, L, S, and M, which stand for: P (Park), N (Neutral), R (Reverse), D (Drive), L (Low, also known as Hill Climb), S (Sport, also known as Sport Mode).
The M1 gear is the first gear in manual mode. I remember when I first started driving, my car had an automatic transmission with a manual function. M1 represents first gear, which is particularly suitable for starting on slopes or driving at low speeds, such as controlling speed slowly on slippery roads in rainy conditions to avoid sudden braking. It provides high torque but low speed, and the engine noise increases a bit. It's also useful in traffic jams or when maneuvering in parking lots. My instructor once reminded me not to shift into the wrong gear, as it could lead to higher fuel consumption or faster transmission wear. He suggested that beginners practice switching to manual mode more often to understand the purpose of each gear, which can improve driving feel and prevent accidents. Regular maintenance of transmission fluid is also important to keep gear shifts smooth and extend the lifespan.
