Can the S gear be used when going downhill?
2 Answers
S gear can be used when going downhill, but it is not recommended to use S gear because these gears will not lock the gear. At this time, the effect of engine braking is very small, and it may upshift causing the vehicle speed to become faster and faster, which poses certain dangers. S gear is the sports mode of the car. Many automatic transmission cars are equipped with S gear, and some high-end models of A-class cars also have S gear design. In S gear sports mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shift timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high speed for a longer time, allowing the car to travel at low gear and high speed for a longer time, thereby obtaining greater torque output and acceleration. It is usually used when climbing hills and overtaking quickly.
Regarding using S gear for downhill driving, my personal experience is that it's quite useful, especially on long mountain slopes. I often drive automatic transmission cars on trips and switch to S gear when encountering steep descents. It keeps the engine at lower RPMs, helping me slow down without relying too much on the brakes. This prevents brake overheating and potential failure, making it safer. However, it's important not to let the speed get too high. For very steep or prolonged slopes, I recommend combining it with intermittent braking. I've tried this multiple times in rainy conditions or on mountain roads with good results, avoiding the danger of sudden braking. In summary, it's a practical feature, but don't expect it to be as intelligent as a dedicated hill descent control system. With regular practice, you can master its usage.
