Can an automatic transmission car switch from D gear to S gear while driving?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission car can switch from D gear to S gear while driving. The method for switching between D and S gears in an automatic transmission car is as follows: 1. To shift from D to S, press the shift lock without releasing the accelerator or applying the brakes; 2. To shift from S to D, simply push the gear lever directly without releasing the accelerator or applying the brakes. The gears of an automatic transmission include: 1. P (Parking gear, starting gear); 2. R (Reverse gear); 3. N (Neutral gear); 4. D (Drive gear); 5. L (Low gear); 6. S (Sport mode); 7. OD (Overdrive gear). The correct way to use an automatic transmission is: 1. Start the vehicle in P or N gear, shift the gear lever out of P gear while pressing the brake, turn on the power and press the brake to shift to N gear, then shift to D gear after ignition and drive forward; 2. When switching between N, D, and L gears, there is no need to press the shift button. To shift from L gear to lower restricted gears, press the shift button, but shifting from lower to higher gears does not require pressing the shift button; 3. Do not shift into N gear while driving to coast; 4. Do not push into P gear while driving; 5. After driving, the engine must be turned off and the gear must be shifted to P gear before the key can be removed.
It's perfectly fine to shift from D to S gear while driving an automatic transmission car. I often do this when overtaking on the highway. D gear is for daily driving, where the vehicle controls gear shifts automatically, providing fuel efficiency and smoothness. S gear stands for Sport mode, where the engine revs higher and the power response is more aggressive. There's no need to press the brake when shifting; just push the lever directly, and the transmission will automatically adjust. However, avoid frequent shifts; it's best to wait a few seconds between shifts to let the computer adapt. After shifting, note that the tachometer will suddenly rise, and the throttle becomes more sensitive. Overtaking feels great, but fuel consumption will increase. It's advisable not to use S gear on slippery roads, especially for rear-wheel-drive cars, as they are more prone to skidding. I usually only engage Sport mode on highways or when climbing steep hills, sticking to D gear in congested urban areas.
