Can the S gear be used for a long time?
2 Answers
S gear should not be used for a long time. S gear is the sports mode, and prolonged use will cause wear and tear to the transmission, affecting the power transmission of the car. Precautions for shifting gears in an automatic transmission car: 1. Ensure that the gear is in N gear or P gear before starting the engine, and remember to press the brake when starting; 2. Gear shifting should be accurate, decisive, and quick, avoiding any delay; 3. Upshift after acceleration and downshift after deceleration; 4. Use D gear when driving on flat and straight roads; 5. No need to press the shift button when switching between N and D gears. Functions of an automatic transmission car: 1. Easy to operate, simple to learn, and easy to master driving skills; 2. High driving comfort with relatively smooth gear shifting; 3. High safety factor, reducing driver fatigue.
In my daily driving, I frequently switch between D and S modes. The S mode indeed provides more aggressive acceleration, making it suitable for overtaking on highways or climbing hills, but keeping it engaged for extended periods isn't a good idea. S mode maintains higher engine RPMs, increasing engine load and temperature. If used continuously for one or two hours, such as during long trips, it can easily lead to engine overheating or premature wear, with a noticeable increase in fuel consumption. Last time I tested it on mountain roads, using S mode for nearly two hours almost triggered the engine temperature warning light. I recommend using it only briefly when necessary, such as for quick starts in traffic or spirited driving, then promptly switching back to normal mode. During regular maintenance, pay extra attention to the engine cooling system to avoid carbon buildup issues. This protects your car while saving fuel—why not do it?