The trend of auto transmission cars is an evergreen one. These cars dominate the market today, and manual transmission has become a rarity. In light of such facts, it is surprising how many people still struggle with these cars’ letters and numbers on gear shift levers! If you’re one of them, don’t worry – Mike Patton Auto Group is here to help.
In this article, we’ll explain the meaning of all the letters and numbers on auto transmission cars. By the end, you’ll be able to identify each gear without any trouble.
Let’s start with knowing how an auto transmission car differs from a manual transmission.
Automatic vs. Manual Transmission
In an automatic transmission car, the gears are shifted automatically by the car, based on the speed and power required. You only need to use the gear shift lever to put the car in ‘Park,’ ‘Reverse,’ ‘Neutral,’ or ‘Drive.’
On the other hand, a manual transmission car requires you to change gears manually, using the gear shift lever. The gears are not shifted automatically by the car.
You must also use the clutch pedal and the gear shift lever to change gears. The clutch pedal is absent in an automatic transmission car.
The letters and numbers on an auto transmission car usually indicate the following:
Parking Your Car: P
Parking is the option on your gear shift that enables you to park your car. You will use it when you want to park your car and turn off the engine, and you need to put the gear shift in the ‘P’ position.
In this position, your car’s transmission is locked and cannot move forward or backward. The parking brake should also be engaged when your vehicle is in this position.
Backing Up Your Car: R
The reverse position is the option on your gear shift that allows you to back up your car. When you want to back up, you must put the gear shift in the ‘R’ position.
In this position, your car’s transmission is locked and can only move backward.
Putting Your Car on Halt: N
The ‘N’ position on your gear shift is for keeping your car neutral. It enables you to take your foot off the gas pedal and coast.
Get Going: D and Numbers
The ‘D’ position is for driving. Your car will move forward when it is in this gear shift.
You can also use the positions on your gear shift to go faster or slower. The lower the number, the slower your car will go. For example, if you want to drive slow, you would put the gear shift in the first position, i.e., D1.
Conclusion:
As you can see, each position on your gear shift means a different function. Make sure you familiarize yourself with each gear position to use them properly when driving.
We’ve got you covered if you’re planning to buy a new Honda, Ford, or CDJR. At Mike Patton Auto Group, serving Pine Mountain, GA, we offer a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles from these manufacturers.
Come see us today and take one for a test drive!
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