What does M+ and M- mean in an automatic car and how to use them

M+ and M- refer to the manual shift mode in an automatic car, allowing you to manually change gears without a clutch. M+ (or +) shifts up a gear, while M- (or -) shifts down. This feature is useful for situations like overtaking, engine braking, or driving on steep hills.

To use M+ and M-:

1. Locate the gear selector – often marked with + and - symbols or a separate M (Manual) mode.
2. Switch from Drive (D) to Manual (M) by moving the lever sideways or pressing a button.
3. Push the lever towards + to upshift or - to downshift. Some cars use paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Upshifting (M+) is best when the engine reaches higher revs for smoother acceleration, while downshifting (M-) helps when slowing down or needing extra power. Avoid over-revving or lugging the engine. Modern cars often prevent unsafe shifts.

Examples like the Ford Focus or BMW iX use this system for better control. It’s not as precise as a manual gearbox but adds flexibility for drivers who want more input.

The method of using M+ and M- in an automatic transmission is as follows: pushing the gear lever towards M+ shifts the vehicle up one gear, while pushing it towards M- shifts down one gear.

The M+ and M- refer to the manual mode of the gearbox, where the driver can manually shift up or down, unlike in a manual transmission car where the vehicle won't automatically change gears.

The vehicle can be switched to manual mode at any time without restrictions like timing or RPM. The gearbox will automatically match the appropriate gear based on the real-time speed.

Manual mode is typically used in situations such as going uphill, downhill, or in traffic jams. In manual mode, the driver can downshift to utilise the engine's braking force to assist in slowing the vehicle, which combined with the braking force makes for safer driving.

From a driving instructor’s perspective: M+ and M- give learners a taste of gear control without a clutch. Use them sparingly – downshift (M-) before a steep hill to avoid brake wear, and upshift (M+) when accelerating onto a motorway. It’s a stepping stone to full manual driving but lacks the fine control of a traditional gearstick.