A gear knob is also referred to as a gear shift knob or shifter knob. It is the knob on a manual or automatic transmission vehicle that is operated by the driver to shift gears. It rests on the gear stick (shift lever) and may differ in appearance, material, or functionality.
Types of Gear Knobs:
1. Manual Transmission Knobs are Found in vehicles with manual gearboxes (H-pattern or sequential).
it May have inscribed gear patterns (e.g., 1-5 + R).
2. Automatic Transmission Knobs
oUsed in cars with automatic gear selectors (P-R-N-D).
oOthers have sport mode or manual shift buttons.
3. Aftermarket Knobs
oMetal, wooden, carbon fiber, or acrylic custom knobs.
oWeighted knobs for less jerky shifting.
oIlluminated or LED-backlit knobs.
Common Materials:
• Leather – Comfortable to the touch, typically used in luxury cars.
• Aluminum/Stainless Steel – Strong and sporty.
• Wood – Classic appearance, typical in vintage or luxury cars.
• Plastic/Rubber – Inexpensive, usually found in economy cars.
• Carbon Fiber – Sporty and lightweight look.
Features:
• Ergonomic Design – Easy to hold in hand.
• Weighted – Enhances shift smoothness.
• Locking Mechanism – Some reverse lockout.
• Custom Engravings – Individual designs or logos.
Replacement & Installation:
• Majority screw on or snap in.
• Some need set screws or adapters.
• Automatic shift knobs can sometimes require special removal tools.
Do you want suggestions for a particular car model or model type?