gearstick

A gearstick, also known as a gear lever or shift lever, is a control device used in manual transmission vehicles to select and engage different gears. It is typically a rod or lever that protrudes from the floor of the vehicle or the dashboard, connected to the transmission.

The driver operates the gearstick by moving it through a specific pattern of gates, often depicted on a diagram near the lever. Each gate corresponds to a particular gear, such as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and reverse. Engaging a gear typically involves pressing the clutch pedal simultaneously to disengage the engine from the transmission, allowing for a smooth shift. Once the gear is selected, the clutch is released to reconnect the engine.

In automatic transmission vehicles, the gearstick, often called a selector lever, serves a similar purpose but with fewer options. It typically has positions for Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), Drive (D), and sometimes lower gears like L or S for specific driving conditions. The transmission automatically selects the appropriate gear based on vehicle speed, engine load, and throttle position.

The design and placement of gearsticks have evolved over time, from large levers on the dashboard to smaller, more ergonomically designed shifters on the center console. While increasingly sophisticated electronic shift controls are becoming more common, the traditional gearstick remains a familiar interface for drivers of manual transmission vehicles.