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Do You Need to Press the Brake When Shifting from S to D Gear?

4 Answers
Sheila
07/29/25 7:57pm

Shifting from S to D gear does not require pressing the brake; you can shift directly. Generally, when switching between S and D gears, it is advisable to ease off the accelerator slightly to avoid affecting the normal operation of the engine. This is because both gears use the same mechanical mechanism, only with different shift logic sequences, allowing for free switching between D and S gears. The S gear essentially delays the shift timing, enabling the engine to maintain a high RPM for a longer duration. The D gear is a common gear in all automatic transmission models, representing 'Drive.' When in D gear, the driver only needs to control the accelerator and brake pedals properly.

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LylaRose
08/14/25 3:48pm

When I first started learning to drive, I was also quite confused about this issue. From my experience, shifting from S mode to D mode generally doesn't require pressing the brake, because in most modern cars, S mode is just the sport mode while D mode is the normal driving mode - they're both forward gears, and the designers have already considered convenient switching. For example, in my Honda, you can simply move the gear lever without affecting the speed at all. But since beginners are most afraid of accidents, I recommend easing off the accelerator first to ensure the car is stable, then slowly make the switch. Safety first, especially don't make sudden moves at high speeds. Another tip: use D mode more often for better fuel efficiency, while S mode is suitable for overtaking or mountain roads - you'll feel the power delivery become smoother after switching. In short, don't overcomplicate it; reading the manual more or practicing at low speeds is the safest approach.

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DelAlaina
10/15/25 8:21am

As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've found that shifting from S to D mode never requires braking - it can be done seamlessly while driving. Take my Toyota for example: the gear lever is intelligently designed with a simple push operation, and the transmission engages smoothly without any jerking. This design aims to simplify driving and avoid unnecessary hassle. However, I must remind you that older models (like 1990s vehicles) may require extra caution - it's safer to shift at low speeds or when stationary to prevent slippage. My advice is to thoroughly understand your car's characteristics: S mode delivers faster RPM response for hill climbing or spirited driving, while D mode prioritizes fuel efficiency and quiet operation (you'll notice an immediate drop on the fuel gauge after switching). Remember one thing: excessive gear shifting harms your vehicle - keeping it simple is always the most reliable approach.

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DiStella
11/29/25 2:24am

As someone with some mechanical knowledge, I always enjoy studying car principles. Shifting from S to D usually doesn't require pressing the brake, because the transmission's electronic control system is designed to automatically adjust RPM matching during gear changes. Simply put, S is sport mode while D is normal mode, both connected to the same input shaft, so you can just switch directly. I've disassembled automatic transmissions before - the gear synchronization inside is ingeniously designed with minimal risk, unless the car is on extreme slopes or bumpy roads. This operation is not only safe during normal driving but also enhances driving pleasure. If concerned, you can test at low speed first before normal use.

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