You may be concerned about switching from a manual to an automatic transmission, regardless of your driving experience. It is true that when it comes to shifting gears, an automatic gear shifter "does the job" for you. But knowing how an automatic operates as a responsible driver is a good idea.
In this blog post, Honda South will discuss the meanings of each letter and number present on an automatic transmission. We will also provide tips on properly shifting gears in an automatic car.
What do the letters mean?
The knob on an automatic transmission car has a few numbers and letters. You may use these letters and numbers to choose which gear to employ based on the circumstances of the road and your driving requirements.
PRNDL:
These alphabets, which sound like "Prindle," are abbreviations for the letters on your gear shifter. Let's examine each letter in more detail and see its role in your automobile.
P stands for Park:
This position is used when you want to park your vehicle or when you start the engine. The car's weight rests on its parking pawl, a device that secures the transmission. To engage Park, turn off the engine and depress the brake pedal before moving the gearshift into this position.
R stands for Reverse:
As the name suggests, Reverse is used when you need to back up your car. You should engage the parking brake before selecting Reverse to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
N stands for Neutral:
Neutral is the gear that disconnects your car's engine from the wheels. It's useful when you're coasting or starting the engine. You can also shift into Neutral when stopped on an incline to prevent your car from rolling backward or forward.
D stands for Drive:
Drive is the gear you use most often. It's used for traveling forward at a moderate to high speed.
L stands for Low:
Low is a lower gear for traveling uphill or towing a heavy load. It can also be used for engine braking, which helps you slow down without braking.
Other letters:
S stands for Sport:
Sport mode is usually found on newer cars. It changes the gears at higher speeds and improves acceleration. Use Sport mode when you're on the highway or want to get up to speed quickly.
M stands for Manual:
Manual mode is found on cars with manual transmissions. You'll use this mode when you want more control over your car's gears, such as when driving in hilly conditions.
What do the numbers mean?
The numbers on an automatic gear shifter usually range from one to three. They indicate the different gears the car can be in—the lower the number, the lower the gear. The higher the number, the higher the gear.
The lower gears are designed for starting from a stop and for slower speeds. They provide more power to the wheels, which is helpful when going up hills.
Higher gears are designed for highway driving and other situations where you don't need as much power to the wheels. They help your car go faster while using less fuel.
With all of this in mind, you should better understand each letter and number on your automatic transmission's gear shift. Contact our experts today if you still have any concerns about automatic transmission.
The knowledgeable mechanics and consultants at Honda South in McDonough, Georgia, are prepared to enhance the performance of your car.
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