Which Gear is Reverse in an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
In an automatic car, the R gear stands for Reverse. The letters P, R, N, D, S, and L on the car's gear shift represent the following meanings: 1. The "P" on the gear shift is the abbreviation for Parking, which is the parking gear. Engaging this gear allows the vehicle's auxiliary braking device to achieve parking. Remember, it's best to shift into P gear after parking to prevent excessive wear on the transmission. 2. The "R" on the gear shift is the abbreviation for Reverse, which is the reverse gear. When the vehicle needs to reverse, only by engaging this gear can the vehicle move backward. However, make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into R gear. 3. The "N" on the gear shift is the abbreviation for Neutral, which is the neutral gear. When the vehicle is in neutral, it disconnects the power system between the engine and the transmission. It is not recommended to coast in neutral when going downhill, as it can pose safety risks. 4. The "D" on the gear shift is the abbreviation for Drive, which is the forward gear. This gear is undoubtedly the most frequently used, especially in automatic cars. Many drivers prefer the "D gear for all" driving mode. 5. The "S" on the gear shift is the abbreviation for Sport, which is the sport gear. This gear is often used when going uphill to provide extra power, but it increases fuel consumption. 6. The "L" on the gear shift is the abbreviation for Low, which is the low gear. This gear is mainly used when going downhill or on long slopes, keeping the gear in the lowest position to utilize engine braking for safer descent.
When I first learned to drive, I was particularly nervous about the gears of an automatic transmission car, and most concerned about which one was the reverse gear. The reverse gear is the position marked 'R' on the gear shift, usually in the sequence P-R-N-D, where R stands for reverse, meaning the reverse gear. When operating, you must first press the brake pedal firmly before shifting to R, otherwise the gear lever won't move. This safety design prevents misoperation. For example, when I drive a Volkswagen, the gear shift is on the center console, with R between P and N; after shifting to R, the dashboard will display a reverse icon. Besides the reverse gear, it's also important to know that P is the parking gear, N is the neutral gear, and D is the drive gear. When reversing, remember to check the rearview and side mirrors. Nowadays, many cars come with built-in rearview cameras or radar, beeping to alert you of distance, which helps me avoid scratches. If you're a beginner, practice slow reversing more, and you won't panic once you're familiar with it.
