Functions of the S and L Gears in the 10th Generation Accord
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Functions of the S and L Gears in the 10th Generation Accord: 1. L Gear: Low Gear. When going downhill or descending a long slope, shifting into this gear restricts the car to the lowest gear (equivalent to first gear in a manual transmission), allowing the engine to assist in braking. This prevents the danger of brake overheating caused by prolonged braking. 2. S Gear: Sport Mode. When shifted into this gear, the transmission can switch freely, but with slightly delayed shift timing, keeping the engine at higher RPMs for enhanced power. Note that this mode increases fuel consumption.
As a three-year owner of the 10th-generation Accord, my experience with the S and L gears is quite practical. The S gear (Sport mode) is mainly used for overtaking on highways, where the shift RPM directly jumps above 4,000, making the throttle response incredibly sharp and noticeably enhancing the acceleration push, though fuel consumption also rises significantly. The L gear (Low gear) is my go-to for mountain roads. Last year during a self-drive trip to Western Sichuan, I engaged L gear for a continuous 10+ km downhill stretch, where the engine automatically held back the speed, eliminating the need for constant braking—this both protects the brake pads and ensures stability. I’ve also tried L gear in stop-and-go traffic, and it genuinely reduces the jerky feeling from frequent gear shifts. However, never use L gear at high speeds on regular roads, as the RPM can surge alarmingly. These two gears should be switched flexibly according to road conditions—used right, they enhance both safety and driving excitement.
From a mechanical perspective, the S and L gears in the 10th-generation Accord essentially represent shifts in transmission logic. When the S gear is activated, the transmission delays upshifting, keeping the engine in a higher power output range while also downshifting more aggressively. Honda's CVT transmission even simulates the stepped shifting feel of a traditional AT when in S gear. The L gear essentially limits the highest gear; for example, in L gear, the transmission only uses the 1-2 gear range, utilizing engine braking. This is particularly useful when descending steep slopes, as using L gear is more reliable than braking in D gear, preventing brake fade. It's important to note not to engage L gear at speeds above 70 km/h, as this can cause the engine RPM to suddenly exceed 5000. Understanding these principles reveals that these two gear designs are actually quite practical.
The S gear and L gear in the 10th-generation Accord are both solutions for special driving conditions. Have you ever encountered crosswinds on a long-distance drive? After switching to S gear, the steering wheel feels noticeably more stable because the power output is more linear at high RPMs. When picking up or dropping off kids at school, have you faced those steep slopes at the school entrance? With L gear, you don’t have to worry about rolling back when starting on an incline. During the rainy season, engaging L gear to pass through waterlogged areas at low speed ensures you won’t stall even if the water level exceeds half the tire height—maintaining low gear and high RPM helps with exhaust backpressure. New drivers, take note: don’t randomly switch to L gear during normal driving! Last time, my neighbor accidentally engaged L gear on the highway, and the engine roared up to 6,000 RPM, scaring him into pulling over. Remember the mantra: ‘Use S for overtaking, L for climbing, and D for cruising on flat roads.’ This car can take you anywhere across the country without hesitation.
