What Does the ‘B’ on Your Car’s Gear Shift Mean and When Should You Use It?First for AutosWhitney DanhauerTue, September 15, 2026 at 3:24 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleYouTube/Toyota USAThe letters P, R, N and D are all common on a car's gear shift, but some vehicles, particularly hybrids and EVs, have another option: B.Not every car has a B setting, and exactly what it does can vary depending on the vehicle. In general, however, it gives drivers additional braking when they take their foot off the accelerator.On some Toyota hybrids, B stands for engine braking. According to Jalopnik, selecting B increases engine braking when the driver releases the accelerator, and it's similar to downshifting in a conventional vehicle. It can be useful when traveling down steep hills, when additional help slowing the vehicle may be needed.ToyotaBut B isn't meant to replace Drive during your everyday trips. Jalopnik recommends that drivers normally use D, adding that if you continuously drive in B, it can reduce fuel efficiency.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe setting works a little differently on some electric vehicles, though.On some EVs, B mode can increase regenerative braking, which helps slow the car while sending some energy back to the battery.Exactly how B mode works varies by make and model, so drivers should check their owner's manual for instructions specific to their vehicle.Read More From First For AutosWhy Is Your Steering Wheel Shaking? Here's What It Could MeanCheck Engine Light Flashing? Why Drivers Shouldn't Ignore This Dashboard WarningWhy Your Tire Pressure Light May Suddenly Turn On as Temperatures DropThis story What Does the 'B' on Your Car's Gear Shift Mean and When Should You Use It? first appeared on First For Autos. Follow First For Autos on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.