Which gear is reverse in an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
In an automatic transmission vehicle, the R gear is the reverse gear, and the D gear is the drive gear. The letters P, R, N, D, S, L on the gear shift represent the following meanings: 1. The "P" (Parking) on the gear shift is the parking gear. Engaging this gear allows the vehicle to be parked using the auxiliary braking device. Remember, it is best to engage the P gear after parking to prevent excessive wear on the transmission. 2. The "R" (Reverse) on the gear shift is the reverse gear. Only by engaging this gear can the vehicle reverse, but it should be engaged only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. 3. The "N" (Neutral) on the gear shift is the neutral gear. When the vehicle is in neutral, the connection between the engine and the transmission's power system is cut off. It is not recommended to coast in neutral when going downhill, as it can pose safety risks. 4. The "D" (Drive) on the gear shift is the drive gear. It allows the vehicle to move forward and is the most commonly used gear. 5. The "S" (Sport) on the gear shift is the sport gear. This gear is often used when going uphill to provide additional power, but it increases fuel consumption. 6. The "L" (Low) on the gear shift is the low gear. This gear is mainly used when going downhill or on long descents to keep the vehicle in the lowest gear, utilizing engine braking for safer downhill travel.
When driving an automatic transmission car, the reverse gear is the one marked with "R". Every time I need to back out after parking, I shift the gear lever to the R position. As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I believe the most important thing about this is safety: before shifting into reverse, make sure the car is completely stopped, press the brake pedal, gently release the handbrake, and then slowly accelerate to reverse. This prevents sudden lurching that could hurt someone, especially in residential areas with many children. I've witnessed friends almost hitting walls several times when their cars weren't properly braked on slopes, so now I've developed a habit of always checking the rearview mirror and backup camera before shifting gears. Speaking of backup cameras, many new cars come equipped with them now, which are particularly useful for beginners as they provide a direct view of obstacles behind. In automatic transmissions, P is for parking, N for neutral, D for driving, but R is always placed in the most prone-to-misoperation position. I suggest everyone practice and familiarize themselves with the gear positions during daily driving to avoid shifting into the wrong gear while moving. Remember, safety always comes first—don't rush when backing up.
I just learned how to drive an automatic transmission not long ago. I remember being so nervous during my first reverse attempt that my palms were sweating. After fumbling around, I finally realized the reverse gear was actually the "R" position. The instructor told me to take it slow and try it out. When I shifted the gear lever, the gear indicator light came on, and the car started moving backward gradually—it felt quite magical. From a beginner's perspective, automatic transmissions are indeed easier to handle than manuals, but you need to be careful with reverse gear: you must come to a complete stop before shifting, or you might damage the transmission. At first, I kept crossing the lines while reversing in tight garages, but later I found that using the parking sensors made it much easier. Now, every time I shift to R, I make it a habit to turn on the hazard lights first to ensure no one is around, then lightly press the accelerator to control the speed. Driving is something that requires practice—when you're not yet skilled at reversing, it's best to avoid crowded areas. I also wondered why it's called the R gear—probably short for "Reverse," which sounds quite reasonable. After a few tries, the risk of shifting incorrectly decreases, so beginners just need to relax a bit.
