You use the plus (+) and minus (–) on your gear shift to manually control your automatic car’s gears. Push toward plus to upshift when your engine revs higher, and pull toward minus to downshift for better engine braking or power. Use these controls on hills, during overtaking, or to improve fuel efficiency. Shift smoothly and avoid frequent changes in traffic for comfort and safety. Keep going to discover tips for mastering these controls effectively.
Understanding the Purpose of Plus and Minus on Gear Shifts
While many drivers rely solely on automatic modes, understanding the plus and minus symbols on your gear shift lets you take manual control of your vehicle’s transmission when needed.
These symbols allow you to shift gears up (+) or down (–) manually without a clutch pedal. By using them, you can optimize engine performance, especially on hilly terrain or during towing.
Shifting up (+) increases your speed and reduces engine RPM, while shifting down (–) provides more power and engine braking.
This control can improve fuel efficiency and give you better handling in specific driving conditions.
Knowing how to use the plus and minus effectively helps you adapt your driving to the road, enhancing safety and comfort.
Differences Between Manual and Automatic Gear Shifts
Although both manual and automatic gear shifts serve the same basic function of changing gears, they operate quite differently and offer distinct driving experiences. With a manual transmission, you’ll use a clutch pedal and shift gears yourself, giving you full control over when and how to change gears. This requires more skill but can make driving feel more engaging.
Automatic transmissions, on the other hand, handle gear changes for you based on speed and engine load, so you can focus more on steering and acceleration. Some automatics now let you manually shift using plus and minus controls, blending convenience with control.
Understanding these differences helps you appreciate how each system affects your driving style and vehicle response.
How to Engage the Plus (+) Gear Shift Function
Once you shift your automatic transmission into manual mode, you can engage the plus (+) function to upshift gears manually. To do this, gently push the gear lever or paddle shifter toward the plus sign. This action signals your car to shift up to the next higher gear.
You’ll want to upshift as your engine speed increases to keep the power delivery smooth and efficient. Pay attention to your tachometer and avoid over-revving the engine. Using the plus (+) function gives you greater control, especially when accelerating or driving on hilly terrain.
Remember to release the plus control after the shift completes to prevent accidental multiple shifts. With practice, you’ll master this feature and enjoy a more engaging driving experience.
How to Engage the Minus (–) Gear Shift Function
To downshift manually using the minus (–) function, you simply pull the gear lever or paddle shifter toward the minus sign. This action signals your vehicle to shift to a lower gear, giving you more engine braking or power when needed.
Make sure your car is in manual or sport mode to use this feature. When you pull the minus, the transmission responds immediately, dropping the gear by one step.
Avoid holding the shifter too long, as repeated pulls can cause multiple downshifts. Also, watch the engine speed to prevent over-revving.
Using the minus gear shift helps you control speed on descents or prepare for acceleration. Just keep your focus on the road and shift smoothly for a comfortable ride.
When to Use the Plus and Minus Controls for Optimal Performance
Using the minus (–) function effectively helps you manage engine braking and power, but knowing when to use both the plus (+) and minus (–) controls can significantly improve your driving experience.
Use the minus (–) when descending hills or slowing down to control speed without overusing brakes.
Switch to the plus (+) when you need more acceleration, such as merging onto highways or overtaking other vehicles.
Also, upshift with the plus (+) to save fuel during steady cruising.
Avoid constantly shifting in stop-and-go traffic, but when you do, use these controls to maintain smooth power delivery.
Tips for Smooth Shifting Using Plus and Minus
Although shifting with the plus and minus controls might seem straightforward, mastering smooth transitions takes practice and attention.
To start, anticipate changes in road conditions so you can shift early without forcing the engine. When you tap the plus or minus, do so gently—avoid rapid or aggressive inputs that cause jerky movements. Match your shifts with your speed; shifting too soon or too late disrupts flow.
Keep your foot steady on the accelerator to maintain consistent power during shifts. Also, listen to the engine’s sound and feel the vehicle’s response; these cues help you time gear changes perfectly.
With patience and practice, you’ll find that smooth shifting using plus and minus controls becomes second nature, enhancing both control and comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Plus and Minus Gear Shifts
Even if you’re comfortable with plus and minus shifting, you can still slip into habits that hurt your ride’s smoothness and performance. One common mistake is shifting too quickly without matching your engine speed, which causes jerks and wears the transmission.
Don’t hold the gear too long in manual mode; it can over-rev the engine or waste fuel. Avoid ignoring the vehicle’s speed—shifting to a higher gear too early or downshifting at excessive speeds can strain the drivetrain.
Another pitfall is relying solely on plus and minus without paying attention to road conditions, which reduces control. Stay attentive, shift deliberately, and listen to your car to avoid these errors and keep your drive smooth and safe.
Benefits of Using Manual Mode in Automatic Transmissions
When you switch to manual mode in an automatic transmission, you gain greater control over your vehicle’s performance and responsiveness. You decide exactly when to shift gears, which helps optimize power delivery and fuel efficiency.
This control is especially useful on winding roads or steep hills, where you can prevent the transmission from constantly shifting and maintain a steady speed. Manual mode also enhances driving enjoyment by giving you a more engaged experience, almost like driving a manual car without a clutch.
Additionally, it can improve safety by allowing you to downshift for engine braking, reducing wear on your brakes. By using manual mode, you get the best of both worlds: the convenience of an automatic and the precision of manual gear changes.
Conclusion
Using the plus (+) and minus (–) on your gear shift lets you take control of your car’s performance, even in an automatic. By manually shifting up or down, you can optimize power, improve fuel efficiency, and handle different driving conditions better. Just remember to shift smoothly and avoid common mistakes to keep your ride comfortable. With a bit of practice, you’ll enjoy the benefits of manual mode without the hassle of a clutch.