What Is The Gear Shifter Called?
When you drive a car, you may know that you need to change gears in order to drive safely and efficiently. The part of the car you use to make these changes is known as the gear shifter, which comes in many different shapes and uses different techniques to make the gear changes. In this article, we’ll explore the different terms used to refer to the gear shifter.
Automatic Gear Shifters
Most cars today have automatic transmissions, meaning the gear shifts are done for you by the car. Gear shifters on automatic cars are frequently referred to as “shifters”, due to their design. They are often located on the console between the two front seats, and use either a lever or a push-button system to select the gear.
Manual Gear Shifters
On cars with manual transmissions, the gear shifts must be done manually, using a gear shifter. These are often referred to as “sticks” or “shifters,” as they are, in fact, a stick protruding from the floor of the car or from the console. These manual shifters come in a variety of shapes and designs and are often used in combination with a clutch pedal.
Alternative Terms
The gear shifter is also referred to by some other terms, depending on the type of car. Here are some of the most common:
- Stick shift – A manual gear shifter is sometimes called a “stick shift,” due to its long, stick-like shape.
- Gear lever – Another term for a manual gear shifter is a “gear lever,” since it is used to lever the gears into place.
- Gear knob – On most automatic transmission cars, the gear shifter is in the form of a knob, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a “gear knob.”
- Shift knob – Some manual transmission cars may also refer to the gear shifter as a “shift knob,” as the operator must turn the knob in order to shift gears.
Regardless of what you call it, the gear shifter is an integral part of any car with an internal combustion engine, as it is used to manually or automatically select the appropriate gear. Mastering the use of the gear shifter will improve your driving skills and make you a better, more aware driver.