Can you shift directly from D to S gear on the highway?
2 Answers
You can shift directly from D to S gear on the highway. Here is the relevant introduction to car gears: 1. P gear (Parking gear): P is used for parking. It uses a mechanical device to lock the rotating part of the car, preventing the car from moving. When the car needs to stay in a fixed position for a long time, or before leaving the vehicle after parking, the hand brake should be pulled and the lever should be pushed into the "P" position. 2. R gear (Reverse gear): R is used for reversing the vehicle. Usually, you need to press the safety button on the lever to move the lever to the "R" gear. It should be noted that when the vehicle has not completely stopped, you must not forcibly shift to the "R" gear, otherwise the transmission will be severely damaged. 3. N gear (Neutral gear): N is the neutral gear. When the lever is placed in the "N" gear, the power between the engine and the transmission has been cut off. If you need to stop briefly, you can place the lever in this gear and pull out the hand brake lever, and your right foot can move away from the brake pedal to rest. 4. D gear (Drive gear): D is the forward gear, used for driving on general roads. Due to different designs of car models in various countries, the "D" gear generally includes gears from 1 to high gear or 2 to high gear, and will automatically shift gears according to changes in speed and load.
I've been driving for over a decade, and it's perfectly fine to shift directly from D to S gear on the highway. Last time when overtaking on the freeway, I just gave it a gentle push to engage S mode - the engine revs went up and acceleration became noticeably quicker, almost like getting an extra turbo. This design is meant to enhance driving experience, as modern vehicles' electronic systems automatically adjust shift logic without harming the transmission. S mode (Sport mode) works great for hill climbs or when you need quick response, though D gear remains the fuel-efficient choice for regular cruising. I've tested it multiple times, including during rain and straight-line driving - all transitions were smooth. No need to worry about safety, just keep a firm grip on the wheel. The only reminder: avoid frequent gear switching to prevent long-term component wear, and always ensure steady speed during shifts.
