To some, buying an automatic car is like learning a new language. All of a sudden, all these different letters and numbers are thrown around, with no explanation as to what they mean. If this is you, don’t worry – we’re here to help!
In this blog post, Mike Patton Ford Lincoln will explain all the different automatic car gear letters and symbols so you can make an informed decision for your next vehicle.
P – Park
The “P” on your gear shift means Park and should be used whenever you’re stopped and getting in or out of the car. If you face confusion regarding when to use Park, here are a few general guidelines:
- If you’re stopped and need to get out of the car, put it in Park.
- When you’re parallel parking, once you’ve finished parking and are getting out of the car, put it in Park.
- If you’re at a stop light or stop sign, and the car is not moving, put it in Park.
R – Reverse
As you might have guessed, the “R” on your gear shift means Reverse. You should use Reverse whenever you need to back up, such as when backing out of a parking spot or driveway. Make sure to navigate your surroundings before pushing the pedal.
N – Neutral
Neutral is a bit of a safe zone for your car. If you need to let your car rest while it’s still running, put it in Neutral. This prevents your vehicle from moving even if you accidentally hit the gas pedal. You should also put your car in Neutral when you’re stopped on a steep hill and are using the parking brake.
D – Drive
Drive is the most commonly used gear, and it means go! When you’re ready to move forward, put your car in Drive and start going. Remember not to rush and take it slow until you get a feel for how the vehicle is responding. If you are buying an automatic car for the first time, be steady on the gas pedal as you let go of the breaks.
3 – Third Gear
Third gear is what you’ll use most of the time when you’re driving. It’s a happy medium between first and second gear, and it will help your car conserve fuel while still going at a good speed.
2 – Second Gear
Second gear is a bit slower than third gear, but it’s still a good speed for most driving situations. You’ll probably use second gear when going up a hill or passing another car on the highway.
1 – First Gear
The first gear is the slowest but also the most powerful. You’ll only use first gear when you’re starting from a stop or going very slowly (like driving in a parking lot).
Conclusion:
Now you must know all those automatic car gear letters and symbols. If you plan on buying an automatic car, Mike Patton Ford Lincoln, serving Luthersville, GA, can be your savior. We have a wide range of new and used automatic Ford models, and our experts will guide you in choosing the best Ford per your requirements.
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