At what speed can the Outlander switch to DS gear?
3 Answers
The D gear and DS gear of the Mitsubishi Outlander are adjacent, so you only need to push the gear lever to the right when the vehicle is started to reach the position marked DS, and then it is in DS gear. Conversely, you can switch back to D gear. The following is an introduction to the Outlander's gears: 1. P gear: P is the parking gear. When the car is parked, the gear lever must be moved to the P position. 2. N gear: N is the neutral gear. The N position is equivalent to neutral and can be used when starting, parking without leaving the car, or when towing. 3. L gear: L gear refers to the low-speed mode. You can directly shift into L gear while the vehicle is moving without braking to stop, but do not do this when the vehicle speed or engine speed is high. 4. D gear: D is the drive gear. When driving normally, place the gear lever in the D position, and the car can automatically shift between the forward gears. 5. R gear: R is the reverse gear. It is the gear that enables the vehicle to move backward, and its driving direction is opposite to that of the forward gear.
I love using the DS gear in my Outlander for daily driving, as it allows me to instantly switch to sport mode for a more thrilling drive. Technically, you can shift from D to DS at any speed—whether stationary, cruising at 20 mph, or speeding at 70 mph. Personally, I prefer switching around 30-40 mph in urban traffic, where the transition feels smoothest. On highways, engaging DS may cause the transmission to downshift abruptly, resulting in engine roar, explosive power, but also increased noise and fuel consumption. DS gear delays upshifts for fiercer acceleration, making it ideal for overtaking or climbing hills. Just remember not to shift recklessly during sharp turns or on icy roads—safety first. I usually adapt based on road conditions: D gear for fuel efficiency on flat roads, and DS when extra power is needed. A simple gear change can significantly enhance driving enjoyment.
As a long-time driver, I find the issue of switching to DS gear very practical. The DS gear in the Outlander represents sport mode, and there are no strict speed limits when switching—it's convenient to shift from D to DS whether stationary or while driving. However, based on experience, I recommend doing so at lower speeds, such as 20-30 mph, for safety. Switching at high speeds can cause sudden downshifting and high engine RPM, increasing wear and discomfort. The DS gear holds lower gears, providing quicker power response, making it suitable for acceleration or uphill needs. To balance things, I usually adjust based on road conditions: for example, using D gear for highway cruising and switching to DS in city traffic or when quick starts are needed. Proper usage not only protects the engine but also makes daily driving smoother.
