What do the letters and numbers on the automatic gearbox mean and what are they for?

Automatic gearboxes have revolutionized the way we drive, providing a smoother and less stressful experience in traffic. However, for many drivers, the meaning behind the letters and numbers on these boxes may be a mystery.

Understanding what these letters and numbers mean is crucial to making the most of the capabilities of your automatic gearbox and ensuring safe and efficient driving.

Choose the correct mode according to driving conditions It not only improves the driving experience, but also contributes to extending the life of the car and its proper maintenance. This article aims to reveal what these elements mean and how to use them in daily driving.

First, the most common letters found on an automatic gearbox are: P, R, N, D, L, S, and in some cases, M.

• F (Park): This mode locks the transmission, preventing the vehicle from moving. This is the position where the gear lever should be located when the car is stationary.
• r (reverse): As the name indicates, it is used to reverse the direction of the vehicle, allowing reverse gears.
• n (neutral): In this mode, the transmission is disconnected from the engine, allowing the vehicle to move freely without pushing, such as when towing or waiting at a traffic light, to reduce wear.
• D (engine): This is perhaps the most commonly used mode in an automatic gearbox. When selected, the transmission automatically changes between gears depending on speed and power demand, making for effortless driving to move forward.

Apart from these basic letters mentioned above, there are others that provide the driver with freedom to control the vehicle's transmission.

• l (low): Primarily used on steep descents or situations requiring steeper turns, this mode locks the transmission in lower gears, providing more power at lower speeds and increasing engine braking.
• S (sport): By selecting this mode, the car adjusts the transmission to provide a more flexible and quick response, while maintaining higher engine revs before shifting to the next gear, which is ideal for sporty driving.
• M (guide): It is not present in all automatic gearboxes, but when it is present, it allows the driver to change gears manually, generally through the shift lever or paddles on the steering wheel, providing greater control of the transmission.

In addition to these letters, on some modern automatic gearboxes, numbers can be found next to the letter “D”. These numbers indicate specific gears and allow the driver to manually select onewhich limits the gear the transmission can automatically shift to.

This can be useful in driving situations that require holding gears, such as driving downhill or for better vehicle control in certain road conditions.

Automatic gearboxes provide a wide range of options for drivers, Each is designed to adapt to different driving situations.

Familiarity with the specific letters and numbers of these systems not only enriches the driver's knowledge, but also increases the vehicle's efficiency, performance and safety. Therefore, properly understanding and using these options is essential for any driver looking for an optimal driving experience.