Have you ever driven a new or used car with an automatic transmission? You’ve probably noticed some letters and digits on the gear lever and got some idea of what they do. But what do they mean?
In this blog post, Infiniti of Melbourne, serving Cocoa Beach, FL, will explain what each letter and number means, and we’ll also tell you when to use them. Keep reading!
Types of Automatic Transmissions:
You must first be aware that there are three types of automatic transmissions:
- Torque converter automatics are the most common. The converter uses a fluid coupling to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. There is no clutch in these transmissions.
- AMT (automated manual transmissions) both automatic & manual modes in a car. They are the mass-produced version of automatics that have the car’s computer control the clutch.
- Dual-clutch automatics, on the other hand, use two separate clutches to engage and disengage the gears. This type of transmission is efficient, but it’s also more expensive.
Letters & Symbols on the Gear Shifter:
Now that you know the difference between the three automatic transmissions let’s look at the letters and numbers on the gear shifter.
P: Park
This one is pretty self-explanatory! When your car is in Park, the transmission is locked, and the car cannot move. This position is used when the car is stopped, and you’re getting out, or when you’re parking.
R: Reverse
This position is also self-explanatory. When your car is in Reverse, it will move backward instead of forward.
N: Neutral
In Neutral, the transmission is not engaged, and the car can coast freely. Use this position when you’re starting the car or stopping on a hill and want to keep the car from rolling.
D: Drive
It is the position you’ll use most often. Drive is for, well, driving! The transmission will automatically shift between gears as needed.
L: Low Gear
Low gear is for slower speeds and more torque. This position is typically used when climbing a hill or towing a heavy load.
+ and -: Overdrive
Overdrive is an extra gear that helps your car save fuel. The + and – symbols indicate whether the overdrive gear is engaged or disengaged. When you see a “+” sign, it means the overdrive is engaged, and when you see a “-” sign, it means the overdrive is disengaged.
Numbers on the Gear Shifter:
Along with letters, some numbers may appear on your gear shifter. These indicate the different gears that the transmission can be in:
1:
First gear is typically represented by the number “one” or the letter “L.”
2:
The second gear is represented by the number “two” or the letter “D.”
3:
The third gear is typically represented by the number “three.”
4:
Fourth gear is sometimes represented by the number “four” or the letter “D.” Still, it may also be indicated by an upside-down triangle.
5:
Fifth gear is typically represented by the number “five” or the letter “D.”
6:
Sixth gear is sometimes represented by the number “six” but may also be indicated by a triangle.
So, what exactly does the writing and numbering on the side of your gearbox signify? Decoding them all can be confusing, but we’re here to help. At Infiniti of Melbourne, we want you to be an expert on everything related to your car, so keep reading for a breakdown of each letter and number.
If you’re looking for a new or pre-owned Infiniti model in Cocoa Beach, FL, browse our inventory online and check out our latest models.
Our car dealers will answer any questions you might have about automatic transmissions, so don’t hesitate to contact us at Infiniti of Melbourne.
We’d be happy to help!
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