Compensates and changes gear? (9)
I believe the answer is:
redresses
This clue could be a double definition.
'compensates' is the first definition.
('redress' can be a synonym of 'compensate')
'changes gear?' is the second definition.
'redresses' can be an answer for 'changes' (redressing is a kind of changing). I am not certain of the 'gear?' bit.
'and' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for redresses that I've seen before include "Sets right, makes amends" , "Pays for" .)