Automatic Transmission Gears: The Basics

As you are driving near Clarkston, Lake Orion, Clio, and Lapeer, MI, you want to experience the smoothness of your vehicle’s transmission working well and getting you into the proper gear. An automatic transmission allows you to sit back and relax while your vehicle does the work.

Here at Feldman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clarkston, we are here to help you get to know automatic transmission gears and the basics of how this system on your ride works. Continue reading below to learn more.

What are the Automatic Transmission Gears?

Most automatic transmissions provide four or five forward gears and a reverse gear. The gears are either labeled by a number or by the letters P, R, N, D, and L. Here’s a closer look at what each gear means:

Park

This gear position locks the transmission to keep the car from moving.

Reverse

This gear puts your car in reverse for backing up.

Neutral

This gear disconnects the engine from the wheels. Drivers use it when starting the vehicle or shifting between gears.

Drive

This gear is the common driving position for moving the vehicle forward.

How to Change Transmission Gears?

Learn More

Changing gears using an automatic transmission is easy. Your vehicle automatically shifts gears as you accelerate. You simply put the car in drive and use the gas pedal to go.

You can also shift gears manually if you prefer by using the plus and minus signs on the gear shifter.

What Gears Should Be Used?

Learn More

The automatic transmission also uses several different gear ratios that can help power your vehicle. The transmission automatically shifts between gears based on your speed and the power you are requesting from the engine.

Your vehicle uses 1st gear at lower speeds when the car stops or is moving slowly. It uses 2nd and 3rd gear to help build momentum and generate more power. 4th gear is used when the car is moving its fastest. Sometimes, an automatic transmission will also have 5th gear, which uses a taller gear ratio to help conserve fuel while at high speeds on the highway.

Caring for Automatic Transmission Gears

Learn More

An automatic transmission will need regular service to continue functioning at a high level. You should have the transmission fluid checked every 30,000 miles and changed every 60,000 miles.

It’s also advised to flush the transmission system every 30,000 miles to help remove dirt and grime from the transmission system.

If you need service on your vehicle’s transmission, our service center is here to help. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us today.

Learn More About Automatic Transmission Gears

Here at Feldman CDJR of Clarkston, we can help you learn more about the automatic transmission gears and the basics for keeping your ride running smoothly on the roads near Clarkston, Lake Orion, Clio, and Lapeer, Michigan.