A gear lever, also known as a gear stick or shifter, is a component in vehicles that allows the driver to change gears in a manual transmission system. It is typically located in the center console and is operated by moving it into different positions to select the desired gear. This action helps control the vehicle's speed and power. In automatic vehicles, the gear lever functions differently, allowing the driver to select modes such as Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. The gear lever is essential for the operation of the vehicle, enabling smooth transitions between gears for optimal performance.