Can the Civic be driven in S mode all the time?
2 Answers
The Civic should not be driven in S mode all the time for the following reasons: 1. Since S mode only delays upshifting without changing other operational aspects, it will inevitably increase the transmission load in the short term, accompanied by a rise in temperature, leading to accelerated wear; 2. In terms of fuel consumption, because the fuel injection volume increases at high RPM, the fuel consumption in S mode is also higher than in normal mode. The functions of S mode are: 1. In this mode, the vehicle's power performance is stronger, often used for overtaking, uphill driving, long downhill driving, traffic jams, and carbon deposit cleaning; 2. The transmission can shift freely. Situations where S mode is not suitable include: 1. High-speed driving is not suitable for S mode, as S mode is designed to downshift for acceleration, which can lead to a mismatch between speed and RPM, increased noise, and higher fuel consumption; 2. Coasting is not suitable for S mode, as it can cause significant wear to the transmission in a short time.
As an ordinary commuter who also drives a Civic, I feel that while the S mode is quite exhilarating, it's really not suitable for continuous use. The S mode, or Sport mode, increases the engine RPM and shifts more aggressively, making overtaking thrilling, but keeping it on in city traffic or during highway cruising significantly spikes fuel consumption. I tried it for a while and noticed a clear increase in gas station visits, which was hard on the wallet. Additionally, the increased engine load can accelerate transmission wear, leading to higher maintenance costs and reduced vehicle lifespan over time. For daily commuting, the D mode is perfectly adequate—smooth and worry-free, with fewer complaints from passengers. Unless you're occasionally tackling mountain roads or craving a speed rush, it's best not to indulge in the momentary thrill. Safety-wise, the S mode's responsiveness is too sharp, making it easy for beginners to lose control or fail to brake in time, especially in rainy conditions, which is even more dangerous.
