Can an automatic car shift from D to S while driving?
3 Answers
An automatic car can shift from D to S while driving, and switching between S and D can be done at any time, but it should not be done when the engine speed is high. Introduction to automatic transmission gears: 1. P gear is the parking gear, used for long-term parking of the vehicle; 2. R gear is the reverse gear, engaged when the vehicle needs to move backward; 3. N gear is the neutral gear, engaged when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine; 4. D gear is the drive gear, when the gear lever is in D, the vehicle will automatically shift gears based on throttle opening and speed data; 5. S gear is the sport mode, making the vehicle drive more sporty; 6. M gear refers to the manual mode, when the gear lever is in M, shifting is done manually by the driver; 7. L gear is the low gear.
Absolutely, I do this all the time while driving, and it feels particularly exhilarating. Switching to S mode makes the vehicle more responsive, with higher RPMs and earlier shift points, giving a sense of abundant power without hesitation during overtaking or acceleration. It's perfectly safe to switch directly while driving—no hidden risks. From my experience, just a gentle push of the gear lever above 60 km/h, and the system immediately adjusts its logic without harming the transmission. Just remember not to overuse it, or fuel consumption will skyrocket, and the engine can overheat. S mode is especially useful on downhill slopes, providing engine braking to reduce the burden on the brakes. Combining this, I always adjust the gear flexibly based on different road conditions, making driving more fun and safer.
Yes, I occasionally shift to S mode while driving an automatic transmission car, such as when overtaking or climbing hills. It mainly enhances power response, keeping the vehicle in a higher RPM range for more sensitive acceleration, and the transition is smooth without worrying about damage. As a safe driver, I recommend using it only when necessary, as D mode is more fuel-efficient and comfortable for normal cruising. An additional consideration is that the electronic control system is designed with buffering mechanisms, preventing knocking even if accidentally shifted. If driving long distances with family, S mode can briefly boost performance to avoid dangerous overtaking, but it's best used sparingly to minimize engine wear risks.