Auto Gear Shifters – Understanding The Symbols On The Lever
There are many meanings of gear letters and numbers on the gearstick of an automatic transmission car. Here experts at Auffenburg Chevrolet of Farmington will explore some of the most common ones. Knowing what these mean can help when driving, especially when needing to change gears in a hurry. So, let’s get started!
Common Letters On Automatic Transmission:
These common letters are most commonly known as PRNDL. Here are what they stand for and their meanings:
P is for Park. The gearbox is locked in this position, preventing the car from moving. It should only be used when the vehicle is stopped, and you’re getting out or when you’re stopped on a hill and need to prevent the car from rolling.
R is for Reverse. This position allows the car to move backward.
N is for Neutral. This position disconnects the transmission from the engine so the car can coast. You can also use this position to start a manual transmission car.
D is for Drive. This is the normal driving position and should be used most of the time.
L is for Low. This position is similar to Drive, but the car will use a lower gear ratio, resulting in more power and less speed. Only use this position when your engine needs extra power, such as when towing a trailer or going up a steep hill.
What Are The Other Letters?
There are a few other letters that you might see on your car’s transmission.
S is for Sport. This position is similar to drive, but the car will shift gears at a higher RPM, resulting in more power and less fuel economy.
O/D is for Overdrive. This highest gear ratio should be used when cruising on the highway.
M is for Manual. This position allows you to shift gears, manually giving you more control over the car’s power.
+/- Sign: This means the transmission can shift up or down.
E is for the economy. This position is similar to overdrive but shifts gears at a lower RPM, resulting in better fuel economy.
What Do The Numbers Mean?
The numbers on the transmission indicate the gear ratios. The lower the number, the lower the gear. The higher the number, the higher the gear. For example, if you’re driving in city traffic, you’ll want to be in low gear to have more power and accelerate quickly. If you’re on the highway, you’ll want to be in a higher gear so you can go faster with less effort.
How To Shift Gears In An Automatic Vehicle?
You don’t have to worry about shifting gears in an automatic car. The transmission does it for you. All you have to do is put the car in Drive and go. You can use the accelerator and brakes if you want to go faster or slower.
Conclusion:
So, those are the meanings of the letters and numbers on your car’s transmission.
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