Jul 14, 2022
GMC Canyon automatic gear

For some people, the gear shift lever in their car is nothing more than a means to change gears. However, the gearshift lever is a gateway to power and performance for those who care about our vehicles and want to get the most out of them.

In this blog post, we’ll look at each letter on the automatic gearshift lever and discuss why you must know what they mean. We’ll also provide tips on making the most of each gear.

Lynn Layton Ford is an authorized Ford dealership and service center that offers top-quality new and used Ford cars. So, if you’re looking for one, do visit us. Read on if you’re interested in learning more about your car and its capabilities!

Why is Gear Shift Lever Important?
The gear shift lever is vital because it allows you to change gears. By doing so, you can control the speed and power of your car. The gearshift may have anywhere from four to eight speeds depending on the vehicle.

Each speed is designed for a different purpose. For example, first gear is designed for starting from a complete stop. The second gear is for when you’re slowly accelerating. The third gear is for when you’re going at a moderate speed. The great thing about automatic transmission is that you don’t have to put the car in gear as you do in a manual one.

Knowing which letter corresponds to what speed can help you get the most out of your car. It can also help you avoid damaging your car by shifting into the wrong gear.

Letters on Gear Shifter and Their Meaning
Most carmakers use the same primary designations for their automatic gear shifters. Here’s a look at what each letter stands for:

P – Park
It stands for “park.” When your car is in park, it’s safe to get out and walk around. Your car won’t roll away, and the engine won’t start without you wanting it to.

R – Reverse
It stands for “reverse.” Use this gear when you want to back up.

N – Neutral
It stands for “neutral.” Neutral is the gear you use when you’re stopped and don’t want your car to move. It’s also the gear you use when coasting down a hill.

D – Drive
It is the most versatile gear on your car. It stands for “drive.” You can use this gear when you’re driving on the highway or when you’re just puttering around town.

L – Low
It stands for “low.” Use this gear when you want more power and control. For example, you might use this gear when you’re going up a steep hill.

So, we hope this helps you. Understanding gears and their use is important for safe driving. You can call off your search if you are looking for automatic cars. Lynn Layton Ford serving Huntsville, AL, offers great deals on its new and used car inventory.

Browse our inventory online!