Which gear is the reverse gear in an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
The reverse gear is the R gear, used when the vehicle is reversing. Here is more information about automatic transmission vehicles: 1. The automatic transmission also includes the P gear, which is the parking gear or parking brake, N is the neutral gear of the vehicle, used for temporary parking, D gear is the drive gear, used when the vehicle is moving. The above gears can only be switched when the vehicle is stationary. 2. When parking the vehicle, the D gear should not be used for a long time. When the vehicle is driving at high speed or going downhill, the N gear should not be used. The engine cannot be started when the vehicle is in P or N gear, and the engine cannot be started by pushing the vehicle. The vehicle can shift to a higher gear by increasing the throttle.
The gear for reversing in an automatic transmission is the R gear, which stands for reverse. I often remind friends when helping them with car repairs that this operation must be performed only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop; otherwise, it can damage the transmission gears. Before shifting, remember to firmly press the brake pedal and then move the gear lever or knob to the R position—an R icon will light up on the dashboard. Pay extra attention to safety when reversing, slowly releasing the brake while checking the rearview mirror or backup camera. Beginners often make mistakes, such as shifting directly into R while the car is still moving, which can cause a clunking sound or mechanical failure. Developing good habits can extend the car's lifespan. Another key point: if shifting from a forward gear to reverse, first return to neutral or park as a transition to ensure a smooth connection. With a bit more practice, you'll find it becomes very intuitive.
When I first tried reversing in an automatic car, I was completely clueless until I realized it was the R gear that made me relieved. Before shifting gears, you must press the brake pedal and only switch to the R position after the car comes to a complete stop. The letter R lighting up on the dashboard indicates the car is ready to reverse. Be patient during the reversing process: release the brake slightly, and the car will start moving backward—never accelerate abruptly to avoid accidents. I recommend checking your surroundings before reversing and making good use of the rearview camera; it’s a lifesaver for spotting blind spots. Beginners often ask why other gears aren’t used—it’s because the R design is simple and easy to remember, preventing confusion. For safety, keep the reversing speed between 5-10 km/h to prevent accidental bumps.
