Automatic Car Symbols Meaning: A Simple Guide for New Drivers

If you are new to driving an automatic car, you might be confused by automatic car symbols. Learning about the meaning of automatic car symbols is necessary for every new driver. It helps you avoid damaging the transmission, improve fuel efficiency, and navigate slopes, hills, and heavy traffic safely. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the automatic car symbols and their proper use.

Table of contents

• Why Automatic Car Symbols Matter
• Automatic Car Gear Symbols
• Extra Automatic Car Gear Symbols
• Automatic Car Gear Numbers
• Types of Automatic Transmissions
• When Should You Use Each Gear?
• Safety Tips for New Automatic Car Drivers
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Why Automatic Car Symbols Matter

For every newbie driving an automatic car, it is important to be aware of the letters, numbers, and small icons on your gear shifter and dashboard. Below, I am explaining everything about automatic car symbols, like symbol meaning, light symbol meaning, the process, and more.

1. Automatic Car Gear Symbols (P, R, N, D, L) Meanings

Most automatic cars use these four basic symbols:

• P for Park
• R for Reverse
• N for Neutral
• D for Drive

These four symbols are the core of every automatic transmission.

P – Park (When to Use It)

The symbol (P) is for parking, and it locks the transmission so the car cannot move. Use P when you park the car, exit the car, need the car to stay still on a slope, or turn the engine on/off.

Important:

Never shift to P while your car is still moving. Shifting the gear toward the P symbol while moving can damage the transmission.

R – Reverse (Backing Up Safely)

The R automatic symbol means “reverse,” and it is used to move the car backward. Please note that you should always move the gear toward (R) after stopping the car completely.

N – Neutral (Free Rolling)

As the name suggests (N for neutral), this symbol means disconnect the engine from the wheel.

Use N when:

• Your car needs to be pushed.
• Your car is being towed.
• At a car wash with a moving belt

Important:

Never use the shift gear to the N automatic car symbol when the car is moving or running. This is dangerous because it removes the engine braking and reduces control.

D – Drive (Normal Driving Mode)

When you are ready to drive in a forward direction, choose the D – Drive automatic car gear symbol. Once you shift to D, the car will automatically move from first gear to higher gears based on speed.

L – Low Gear (More Power, Less Speed):

This symbol means keep the car in a lower gear for extra power. Low gear provides more torque and control. You should use this symbol in these situations:

• Driving down steep hills
• Climbing steep slopes
• Towing heavy loads
• Driving on slippery roads
• Going through mud or sand

2. Extra Automatic Car Gear Symbols (S, M, +/-)

Some of the latest automatic cars come with extra automatic car gear symbols. Here is the meaning of those extra automatic vehicle symbols:

S – Sport Mode (Faster Acceleration)

The S automatic car symbol stands for Sport, and it is used to change gear shifting at higher RPMs to give more power. The automatic symbol is suggested to be used in the following situations:

• Overtaking another car
• Merging onto a highway
• Sporty driving
• You want quicker acceleration

Important note:

The Sport mode (S) uses more fuel. Therefore, do not use it all the time.

M – Manual Mode (Shift Like a Manual Car)

Some also give you the option to use manual gear shifting. The M symbol transforms the car’s gear system to a manual setting. You shift gears manually using the gear lever or paddle shifters.

➕ and ➖ Symbols (Manual Gear Shifting in Automatics)

These symbols appear when you turn on (M) manual mode or use paddle shifters.

• ➕ Plus → Upshift (move to a higher gear)
• ➖ Minus → Downshift (move to a lower gear)

3. Automatic Car Gear Numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Meaning

Some automatic cars also show numbers instead of letters.

• 1 means First Gear (Maximum Power, Low Speed): Use this on steep hills, mud, snow.
• 2 means Second Gear: Use for moderate slopes or slow traffic.
• 3 means Third Gear: Good for speeds between 30–50 km/h.
• 4, 5, 6 means Higher Gears: Used automatically in D mode.

These help the car control power and speed efficiently.

Types of Automatic Transmissions (Simple Explanation)

Other than understanding the automatic car symbols’ meaning, be aware of the types of automatic transmissions. Here are 4 common types of automatic car transmission:

1. Torque Converter Automatic (Most Common): It has smooth shifting and is best for city driving.
2. CVT – Continuously Variable Transmission: It has no fixed gears and has the best fuel economy. It is usually available in Honda, Toyota, and Nissan.
3. DCT – Dual-Clutch Transmission: This automatic transmission gives lightning-fast gear changes and is used in sporty cars.
4. AMT – Automated Manual Transmission: It is a cheaper automatic option and is used in budget cars.

When Should You Use Each Gear? (Quick Overview)

Symbol	When to Use It	Why It Helps
P	Parking anywhere	Car stays locked
R	Reversing	Safe backing
N	Towing/pushing	Free-rolling
D	Normal driving	Automatic gear shifting
L	Slopes, towing	More power
S	Fast acceleration	Sporty performance
M	Manual control	Custom gear shifting
+ / –	Manual up/down shift	More precision

Safety Tips for New Automatic Car Drivers

Here are some safety tips that you should know, along with the automatic car gear symbol meaning:

• Always press the brake before shifting gears.
• Never shift to P or R while moving.
• Don’t ride the brakes downhill. Only use L gear.
• Use auto lights to avoid driving in the dark.
• Don’t overuse sport mode.
• Keep your foot away from the accelerator when starting the car.
• Learn your dashboard symbols.
• Never confuse it with other symbols on the dashboard, like the TPMS or battery light.

Conclusion

Automatic car symbols like P, R, N, D, L, S, M, +, and – help drivers choose the right gear. Dashboard symbols like the automatic light symbol show features or warnings. Understanding these symbols helps new drivers stay safe, save fuel, and protect the car’s transmission.