Which gear is the forward gear in an automatic car?
3 Answers
In an automatic transmission, the D gear is the forward gear. The gear positions on an automatic car from top to bottom are: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport mode), L (Low gear), and OD (Overdrive). P is Park gear: Used for long-term parking. R is Reverse gear: Used when reversing the vehicle. N is Neutral gear: Used for short-term parking. D is Drive gear: Also known as the forward gear, used when the vehicle is moving steadily forward. L is Low gear: Used when going downhill or uphill. S is Sport mode: Provides stronger power when overtaking. M is Manual mode: Can be switched to manual driving. Automatic transmissions don't require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions.
I usually drive a small car to and from work quite often. The forward gear in an automatic transmission is the 'D' position on the gear lever. Before driving, start the engine, press the brake, shift directly from 'P' to 'D', then release the brake and gently press the accelerator, and the car moves forward. Whether on highways or in congested city traffic, I use 'D' gear as it automatically shifts gears for smooth transitions, making driving much more effortless. On long trips, it can also be paired with cruise control to maintain speed. Once, a friend borrowed my car and almost shifted into reverse by mistake, giving me a scare—I quickly reminded him that 'D' is the safe choice for moving forward. When learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized that 'D' is the basic gear for moving forward, to avoid mistakes like shifting into 'N' or manual mode. Remember to regularly maintain the transmission fluid to ensure smooth and flexible gear shifts without sticking—this is a lesson I've learned from my daily driving experience.
On the first day of learning to drive an automatic transmission car, the instructor taught me how to start. The forward gear is, of course, the D gear, which stands for Drive. When operating, I first shift to P gear, start the engine while pressing the brake, then switch to D gear and gently press the accelerator to move forward smoothly. After driving for over a year, D gear has become my default mode, especially in traffic jams where it automatically adjusts gears to slow down or speed up, making it easier to control the distance. Compared to manual transmission, it saves the clutch operation, making driving more relaxed. When I first bought the car, the salesperson introduced the gears: P for Parking, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, and D for Drive. Driving with my family on outings, whether climbing hills or navigating bumps, D gear is sufficient to handle most road conditions with stable power output. A reminder to everyone: always press the brake before starting and shift gears safely—safety first. Don’t make mistakes due to carelessness. Develop the habit of checking the gear list to prevent misoperation.
