When it comes to our cars, many of us want to know how to drive them. We don’t want to get into all the little details, just the things we need to get by day-to-day. But some of us want to explore every nook and cranny of our cars. It includes understanding the symbols on an auto’s gear shift lever and how they function behind the scenes!
If you’re one of those curious drivers, read this blog post by Cutter Buick GMC for a primer on automatic transmission gear knobs.
How Does the Automatic Transmission Function?
As the name suggests, an automatic transmission (AT) is a type of transmission that doesn’t require the driver to shift gears manually. The car’s gears are shifted automatically by the car, based on speed and engine load.
Automatic transmissions have a complex system of hydraulic fluid, filters, and clutches that work together to shift the gears.
The computer sends a hydraulic fluid pressure to the appropriate clutch, engaging that gear. As you accelerate, your car will automatically upshift through the gears—until you get to top gear (or overdrive, denoted by an “OD” on the gear shift).
Top gear is the highest gear ratio in the transmission and is used to maintain high speeds on the highway. Once you reach a certain speed, the computer will automatically upshift into overdrive.
Letters on Your Automatic Shifter
- Drive (D):
‘D’ is the most common position for driving under normal conditions. The car will automatically shift through the gears as you accelerate.
· Low Gear (L):
Low gear is used for starting from a stop or climbing hills. The lower gears provide more power to move the car but at the expense of fuel economy and top speed.
· Park (P):
Park is used when the car is stopped, and you want to prevent it from rolling. You should only shift into park when the car is completely stopped.
· Reverse (R):
Reverse gear is used to back up the car. As with ‘park,’ you should only shift into reverse when the car is completely stopped.
· Neutral (N):
Neutral is a resting position for the transmission. The car will not move in neutral but can roll if on a slope. You should only shift into neutral when the car is stopped.
· Overdrive (O/D):
Overdrive is the high-gear setting on an automatic transmission. It is designed for fuel economy and is typically used at highway speeds.
Are you looking for a new car? We’ve got what you’re looking for at Cutter Buick GMC serving Waipahu, HI. Our GMC & Buick dealership is stocked with the latest models from Buick and GMC, so you can find the perfectly matched car for your needs.
Plus, we have an extensive selection of pre-owned vehicles if you want to save money but still get the best on the road.
Our finance team will proactively work with you to get you qualified for your budget. We want to ensure you can afford to drive away in the car of your dreams.
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