Why does the car move forward when in R gear?
2 Answers
When the vehicle moves forward while in R gear, it may indicate gear confusion or transmission issues. Here is extended information about car gears: 1. P gear is the parking gear: Used for long-term parking. When parking in P gear, always engage the handbrake to avoid potential transmission damage. On flat roads, the sequence of engaging the handbrake or shifting to P gear first doesn't make much difference. However, when parking on a slope, it's best to engage the handbrake first and then shift to P gear to reduce the load on the transmission gears. 2. R gear is the reverse gear: Used when the vehicle needs to move backward. 3. N gear is the neutral gear: Used when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine.
I once experienced my automatic transmission car moving forward when I shifted into reverse. It happened in a parking lot when I tried to back up, but the car suddenly lurched forward, nearly hitting a wall – it was really nerve-wracking. Later, chatting with an experienced mechanic, I learned that internal transmission structure failure is the most common cause. Issues like improperly engaged gears in the shift mechanism or uneven hydraulic system pressure can prevent the transmission from correctly engaging reverse gear. Another possibility is a loose shift cable or sensor misreading signals, mistakenly interpreting a forward command as reverse. In my case, it was due to gear wear. Fortunately, I stopped in time, called a tow truck, and got it fixed at the dealership. My advice: if this happens, don’t keep driving. Turn off the engine, find a safe spot to check the gear lever, and avoid damaging the transmission. Regular transmission fluid maintenance can prevent such issues – safety first.
