Can New Cars Not Use S Gear?
2 Answers
New cars should not use S gear during the break-in period. Here is an introduction to the S gear in cars: 1. Meaning: The S gear in a vehicle refers to the sport mode. In S gear, the transmission can shift freely, but there will be a delay in shifting. 2. Function: In S gear, the engine can maintain high RPM for a longer time, allowing the vehicle to operate at high RPM in lower gears, thereby achieving greater output torque and acceleration. 3. Consequences of Improper Use: The S gear is often used for climbing slopes or overtaking. During these times, the transmission load increases in a short period, leading to a rise in temperature and correspondingly increased wear.
Of course, you can use the S gear in a new car! The salesperson specifically demonstrated how to use the S gear on the day I bought the car. The sport mode mainly changes the transmission shift logic, keeping the engine in a higher RPM range to deliver greater torque. It's especially useful for climbing steep hills or overtaking on highways, as a light press on the accelerator delivers immediate power. However, driving at high RPMs for extended periods does increase fuel consumption. I usually use D gear for commuting and only switch to S gear when driving on mountain roads. There are no restrictions during the new car break-in period either, just avoid prolonged redline RPMs.
