Does Starting in S Gear Damage the Car?
3 Answers
Starting in S gear does not damage the car. S gear is used for climbing hills and quick overtaking. In S gear mode, the transmission can shift freely, and the shifting time is delayed. The engine maintains high RPM for a longer period, allowing the car to travel at low gear and high RPM for an extended time, thereby achieving greater torque output and acceleration. The car's gears are divided into: 1. P gear, the parking gear: used when the vehicle is parked for a long time; 2. R gear, the reverse gear: used when the vehicle is reversing; 3. N gear, the neutral gear: used when the vehicle is temporarily parked; 4. L gear, the low-speed mode: used when going up or down hills; 5. D gear, the drive gear: used when moving forward.
I've been driving for over ten years, usually using D gear for daily commuting, but occasionally switching to S gear when stuck in traffic to start. It feels like the acceleration is stronger and faster, and my car has had no issues so far. The mechanic said modern transmissions are quite robust and can handle this mode. Unless you're flooring it every day for zero-to-hundred sprints, which might accelerate wear on tires and such, normal city driving with gentle starts won't harm the car at all. In fact, it makes driving more exciting, though it might consume a bit more fuel. So don't overthink it—use it when you want and enjoy the driving pleasure!
As someone who enjoys delving into mechanics, I've studied the principle of the S mode. It essentially delays gear shifts to keep the engine RPM higher, thereby improving acceleration response. While this places slightly more load on the engine and transmission during starts, it won't damage the vehicle since manufacturers conduct load testing before leaving the factory. Short-term use is fine, but frequently flooring the throttle in S mode long-term may accelerate clutch wear, especially in older vehicles. Occasionally using S mode for starts can enhance driving pleasure, but balancing fuel efficiency and maintenance is more practical.
