Can You Drive on the Highway Using S Gear All the Time?

[RachelRose]

It is not recommended to use S gear for prolonged highway driving, as the S gear only delays upshifting without altering other operational aspects, which increases the transmission load, raises the temperature, and accelerates wear in the short term. Additionally, vehicle comfort is poorer in S gear mode, so it is advisable to avoid prolonged use of S gear. Below is relevant information about S gear: 1. Introduction: S stands for "sport," which is the car's sport mode. When shifting to S gear, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPMs for a longer period. This allows the car to operate at low gear and high RPM for an extended time, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. 2. Benefits of Using S Gear: For cars frequently driven in congested urban areas, engine carbon buildup can be significant. Periodically using S gear appropriately helps remove carbon deposits, improve fuel economy, and extend engine life.

[Ora]

Actually, I’ve tried using the S gear (Sport mode) for extended periods on the highway, and it does feel exhilarating—the acceleration response is quick, making overtaking effortless. But honestly, I wouldn’t recommend doing it for too long. The main issue is significantly higher fuel consumption, as the S gear keeps the engine RPMs elevated, burning more fuel even during steady cruising. Once, I drove from Beijing to Tianjin using S gear the whole way, and the fuel gauge dropped by half, whereas in D gear, it would’ve only used up a quarter at most. Additionally, prolonged high RPMs can increase engine wear, potentially speeding up component aging over time. On the highway, if you’re maintaining a steady speed, D gear is efficient enough—saving fuel and ensuring smooth driving. Why waste extra money on gas? Safety is also a concern; prolonged high-RPM operation could lead to mechanical issues that are harder to handle in case of failure. In short, occasional S gear use is fine, but avoid driving hundreds of kilometers in it continuously.

[RonanFitz]

From a driving habit perspective, I believe using S mode on highways is a bad idea unless you're in a hurry to accelerate for some fun. It's specifically designed for sporty driving, keeping the engine from upshifting too easily and maintaining lower gears at higher RPMs. Doing this during steady-speed highway driving wastes a lot of fuel unnecessarily. I've tested it – driving 100 km in D mode consumes about 8L of fuel, while switching to S mode can push consumption above 10L. This isn't friendly to either your wallet or the environment. For everyday driving, D mode is more suitable for long distances, with the engine operating smoothly and comfortably. Moreover, frequent high-RPM operation may affect engine longevity, causing long-term wear to components like seals or turbos. I've personally changed my habits, only switching to S mode when going downhill or overtaking. Don't prioritize momentary excitement on highways – choosing D mode is the most sensible option.

[KalebLynn]

I've always been a performance enthusiast, loving the kick from driving in Sport mode, especially the exhilarating acceleration and back-pushing sensation on highways. But don't get it wrong—keeping it engaged for long highway stretches is a no-go. The reason is simple: sustained high engine RPMs not only drastically increase fuel consumption but also raise the risk of internal friction damage. Using Drive (D) mode is more sensible for highway cruising—it's economical and reliable. Briefly switch to Sport (S) mode for overtaking, not for the entire journey. My rule of thumb: always switch back after 300+ km to protect the vehicle's health.