Which gear is the reverse gear in an automatic transmission?
2 Answers
In an automatic transmission car, the reverse gear is the R gear. Below is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission car: 1. P-Parking, the parking gear. When the car is parked and not in use, the gear is in this position, at which time the wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling; 2. R-Reverse, the reverse gear, used when reversing; 3. N-Neutral, the neutral gear, used when temporarily stopping the car. To prevent the car from rolling on a slope, always step on the brake; 4. D-Drive, the forward gear, also known as the driving gear, used when moving forward; 5. L-Low, the low gear. When going downhill or on a long slope, shifting to this gear limits the car's gear to the lowest gear (equivalent to the first gear in a manual transmission car), allowing the car to use engine power for braking when going downhill, so the driver does not have to step on the brake for a long time, which could cause the brake pads to overheat and lead to danger; 6. S-Sport, indicating sports mode. When shifting into this gear, the gears can be freely switched, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high speed for a period of time to increase the car's power.
I remember when I first learned to drive an automatic car, shifting into reverse gear was always a bit chaotic. The 'R' position on the gear lever is the reverse gear, usually located between the P (Park) and N (Neutral) positions. Beginners should pay special attention: the car must come to a complete stop with the brake firmly pressed before shifting to R, otherwise it may damage the transmission. When I was practicing in the neighborhood, my instructor repeatedly reminded me to check the rearview mirror and backup camera to avoid hitting obstacles in blind spots. Although automatic transmissions are designed to be simple, improper operation can be dangerous. Many new cars now come with reverse sensors, which greatly enhance safety—I recommend making full use of these assistive features during practice to gradually develop good habits. In daily driving, if you can't shift into R gear, you may need to check whether the brake is fully engaged or if there's a mechanical issue—never force it.
