Gearshift

Gearshift, or shift lever, is the control used to select the gear ratio in a vehicle's transmission. In manual transmissions, the driver uses a lever linked to the gearsets; in automatic transmissions, the lever selects driving ranges while the transmission handles gear changes automatically. Modern vehicles may use electronic shifters or paddles.

Manual transmission gearshifts typically follow an H-pattern to engage 5- or 6-speed gear trains, with reverse in a separate gate. Operation requires pressing the clutch pedal to disengage the engine from the transmission during shifts. Some cars use column shifters or short-throw designs.

Automatic gear selectors commonly offer Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Low or Sport modes. Since the advent of shift-by-wire, some vehicles use rotary dials, push-buttons, or electronic selectors on the console. Paddle shifters allow manual control of gear shifts without a clutch.

Other arrangements include dual-clutch and automated manual transmissions, which may use fast-acting electronic controls and paddle shifters. Continuously variable transmissions often use a different control scheme, but occupants still select drive modes with a gear selector. The gearshift is part of the broader transmission system consisting of gearing, clutches, and control logic.