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 sport mode, and occasional switching can protect the mechanics of the transmission. Prolonged use will cause wear and tear on the transmission, affecting the power transmission of the car. The gear suitable for long-term use in automatic transmission cars is D gear, which provides stronger power and more stable driving. The function of S gear is to allow the engine to output greater power by increasing the shift speed and fuel injection volume. S gear is a transitional gear for upshifting and is not suitable for long-term driving but is suitable for climbing slopes. On the automatic transmission, P gear is the parking gear, R gear is the reverse gear, N gear is the neutral gear (usually used when waiting at a red light), D gear is the drive gear, L gear is the low-speed gear, and S gear is the sport mode.
I've been driving for over a decade and often switch to S mode on highways or mountain roads. It does make the car more responsive and accelerates more powerfully, but keeping it on for long periods isn't cost-effective. This mode keeps the engine RPM high and delays gear shifts, which can increase fuel consumption by over 20%. My SUV, for example, normally consumes around 10 liters per 100km in D mode during city driving, but in S mode, it jumps to 12 liters, adding up to significant extra fuel costs on long trips. More importantly, prolonged high-load operation of the engine and transmission accelerates component wear, potentially leading to overheating or malfunctions. After a few repairs, I noticed faster wear on spark plugs and bearings. Manufacturers recommend using S mode only briefly when extra power is needed, such as for overtaking or climbing hills. I typically switch back to D mode after 20-30 minutes to enjoy the performance while protecting my car and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Maintaining this habit has kept my vehicle in excellent condition.
