Can You Use S Gear on the Highway?

[Pierce]

You can use S gear on the highway, but it will significantly increase fuel consumption and put more load on the transmission, leading to accelerated wear. Below is an extended explanation: 1. Avoid prolonged use of S gear: S gear is the car's sport mode. In this mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at higher RPMs for longer periods. This allows the car to operate at lower gears with higher RPMs, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. Since S gear only delays upshifting without altering other operational aspects, it inevitably increases the transmission load in the short term, raises temperatures, and accelerates wear. 2. Fuel consumption: Due to increased fuel injection at high RPMs, S gear mode consumes much more fuel than normal mode. 3. Benefits: Using S gear also has advantages. For cars frequently driven in congested urban areas, engine carbon buildup can be significant. Therefore, periodically using S gear can help remove carbon deposits, improve fuel economy, and extend engine life.