You need to know several symbols and letters to change gears smoothly while driving a car with an automatic gear shift. Familiarizing yourself with these car gear letters, numbers, and symbols before your next drive will help ensure a smooth ride.
So check out the list below by DCH Honda Oxnard serving El Rio, CA, and make sure you're up to speed on each one! Happy motoring!
P – Park:
This position locks your car's transmission and keeps the wheels from turning. It's used when you're stopped, getting in or out of the car, or parking.
Position of this Gear Shift Letter:
The park position is typically at the end of the shift pattern, to the right and up.
R – Reverse:
This position is used only when you're backing up. Your car will move in reverse when you have it in this gear.
Position of this Gear Shift Letter:
That is usually the furthest gear on your car's shift knob to the left.
N – Neutral:
This position disengages your car's transmission so the wheels can freely spin without moving the vehicle forward or backward. It's meant for when you're stopped and starting up your car or coasting down a hill.
Position of this Gear Shift Letter:
It is usually the middle position on your car's shift knob.
D – Drive:
This position is for when you're driving forward and is the most common gear used while driving. It has different gear ratios depending on your car's make and model. Still, it typically starts in a lower gear and shifts to higher gears as your car's speed increases.
Position of this Gear Shift Letter:
It is usually the furthest gear on your car's shift knob to the right.
L – Low:
This gear shift is used when driving at a low speed, going up or down a hill, towing something, or driving in slippery conditions.
Position of this Gear Shift Letter:
It is usually the second gear from the right on your car's shift knob.
S – Sport:
This gear shift is used when you're driving faster and downshifting gears quickly. It also supplies more power to the engine.
Position of this Gear Shift Letter:
It is usually the third gear from the right on your car's shift knob.
3 – Third Gear:
This gear shift is used when you're driving at a moderate speed.
Position of this Gear Shift Number:
It is usually the fourth gear from the right on your car's shift knob.
2 – Second Gear:
This gear shift is used when driving slowly or when you need more power to climb a hill.
Position of this Gear Shift Number:
It is usually the fifth gear from the right on your car's shift knob.
1 – First Gear:
This gear shift is used when you're stopped or driving very slowly.
Position of this Gear Shift Number:
It is usually the sixth gear from the right on your car's shift knob.
Final Thought:
Now that you know the meaning of these automatic car gear letters and numbers keep this information in mind when buying a new vehicle at an automotive dealership. We hope you found this DCH Honda Oxnard blog post helpful and informative.
And don't forget to browse our new and pre-owned inventory - we're positive you'll find the perfect car for your needs. Thanks for reading!
