Can a car be driven in S mode?
4 Answers
While the car is in motion, you can directly shift the gear lever into the "S" mode, which is typically used for climbing slopes and quick overtaking. However, it is not recommended to use S mode in the following situations: 1. When starting the car: This can have a counterproductive effect on the car's acceleration. Starting in S mode may result in slower speed increase, delayed gear shifting, and slower shifting compared to D mode. 2. High-speed cruising: Once the car exceeds 90 km/h in S mode, the engine runs at excessively high RPM, resulting in unpleasant noise and increased fuel consumption. 3. When decelerating the car: When approaching an intersection and slowing down, there is no need to shift into S mode. It is more appropriate to stay in D mode for better gear selection and improved fuel efficiency.
I've been driving for over a decade, especially loving performance cars, and the S mode is a great helper for sport mode. When driving, the transmission delays shifting, keeping the engine RPM in a higher range. Step on the gas and the acceleration is swift, making overtaking and cornering exhilarating. It's perfect for mountain roads or tracks, but less suitable for city traffic jams—loud engine noise and wasted fuel, with fuel consumption soaring by over 20%. Long-term high RPM increases engine load, requiring regular checks on the transmission and cooling system. In short, it's designed for our enjoyment, no problem, but use it appropriately, with safety first—don't speed recklessly.
I commute to work every day, mostly on city roads, and I believe the S mode is worth using wisely. When starting from a red light and wanting to accelerate faster, switching to S mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, so I don't have to press hard. It's especially handy for overtaking on highways or open provincial roads, but don't keep it on all the time—it consumes more fuel and isn't comfortable, especially during traffic jams when it can be frustrating. Usually, I switch back to D mode for steady driving, and during maintenance, I ask the technician to check if the mode switching is smooth. The key is to consider your needs; the manual also specifies the safe usage range, so there's no need to worry about damaging the car.
I prioritize fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, so I rarely use the S gear while driving. Sport mode forces the engine to work at higher RPMs, increasing fuel consumption by about 20% and emitting more exhaust. For city cruising or commuting on flat roads, the D gear is completely sufficient, being both economical and quiet. Occasionally indulging in sport mode is fine, such as testing it out on weekend mountain road trips, but it shouldn't become a regular habit. In the long run, it's not good for your wallet or the environment. I recommend using electric vehicle mode more often or adopting fuel-efficient driving habits.
