Gear change

nounStandard termAutomotive

The mechanical act of shifting a vehicle transmission from one ratio to another.

The process of disengaging one transmission ratio and engaging another. This requires momentarily interrupting power transfer, either manually via a clutch pedal or automatically through hydraulic bands and clutch packs inside the gearbox.

Heard on the job

The gear change from first to second is clunky when the transmission fluid is cold.

Also heard as

  • shift