Get your car to around 20 to 25 mph before you shift to D3. At this point, slightly let off the gas when you shift. If you don't, you may damage the transmission.

If you bought a new car and are confused what the "M" means on or near your gear shift, don't worry. Here's what is, what it does, and when to use it.

When you put your car in D3, that means you've set third gear as your highest setting, whereas you can reach every gear of your car in D. Basically, D3 is used when you're driving uphill, downhill ...

Throwing your car in neutral allows you to push it around, which is real handy if, say, your battery's dead and your car won't start or you break down in traffic.