Smart Pixel
Jul 18, 2022

Being a True Gearhead: Know Your Automatic Gear Shift Letters

A lot goes into being a gearhead. You have to know about the different types of engines, how they work, and what kind of modifications you can make to them. Many people don’t know much about automatic transmission gears. Automated gear shift letters refer to the different gears that your car can use. They are typically represented by the letters P, R, N, D, and M. Each letter corresponds to a specific gear on your car. This blog post will discuss each one in detail!

1. P-Parking Gear

P is for Park. This one is pretty self-explanatory. This gear is used when your car is parked and not in use. You must put your vehicle in park when you’re stopped, so it doesn’t roll away. It is the most common position for parking your car, but you can also use it to rest at a red light or in traffic.

2. R-Reverse Gear

R is for Reverse. As you might have guessed, Reverse is used when you want to back up. It is the only position that allows your car to move backward. Put your vehicle in reverse before you start backing up. Be careful when shifting into Reverse, as it’s easy to accidentally hit something behind you if you’re not paying attention.

3. N-Neutral Gear

N is for Neutral. This gear is used when your car isn’t moving. You’ll typically put your vehicle in neutral at a stop light or a stop sign. Neutral is a resting position for your car’s transmission. When your vehicle is Neutral, it’s not in gear, and the engine is disconnected from the wheels. Your vehicle will coast if you let off the gas, but it won’t move forward on its own.

4. D-Drive Gear

D is for Drive. This gear is used when you want your car to go forward. It’s the most common gear that you’ll use while driving.

5. L – Low Gear

Low Gear is similar to Drive but specifically for lower speeds. It is sometimes also called First Gear and can be used to start from a stop, go down steep hills, or tow a heavy load. It is usually used when driving on a mountain or in stop-and-go traffic. You’ll notice that your car feels like it has more power in Low Gear, which can be helpful when climbing a hill.

Ending Note

If you’re looking for a new car, it’s essential to know what those gearshift letters mean. Automatic transmission cars use gears to make the car go faster or slower, and each letter corresponds to a specific gear. So whether you’re looking for a brand-new car or want to be more knowledgeable about your current ride, you must know and understand each automatic gear shift letter. And remember, at Yuma Honda serving Yuma, AZ, we can help you find the perfect car with our fantastic selection of automated and manual transmission vehicles. Get approved for your new car!