How to Shift from D to S Gear in an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
To shift from D gear to S gear, there is no need to press the brake or accelerator. If the vehicle speed is too high, you can slightly release the accelerator to reduce the buffering force during the gear shift process and avoid any jerking sensation in the vehicle body when shifting. Below are some precautions regarding the use of gears in automatic transmission vehicles: 1. When starting the vehicle, the gear must and can only be in P (Park) or N (Neutral). This is because if the gear is in reverse or a forward gear when starting the vehicle and the driver forgets to press the brake, the vehicle may move directly, which can easily lead to accidents. Therefore, many manufacturers now design a protection program for automatic transmission vehicles: if the gear is not in P or N, the vehicle will not start. 2. For short-term temporary parking, it is recommended to shift the gear to N, i.e., shift to N immediately when parking, and engage the handbrake. 3. Coasting in neutral is absolutely not recommended for automatic transmission vehicles. The mechanical principles of automatic and manual transmission vehicles differ. When coasting, the engine speed and transmission speed do not match, which can easily cause overheating. Regardless of the type of automatic transmission, coasting in N gear can easily damage the transmission.
I haven't been driving for long, and while researching gear shifting, I tried switching from D to S. Simply put, while driving, as long as the car is moving forward, gently push the gear lever to the side—usually a slight movement to the left or right from the D position—and the dashboard will display 'S' or 'Sport.' Don't push too hard; keep the speed steady. Using the S gear can enhance engine power, which is especially thrilling when overtaking or climbing hills, but be aware that this increases fuel consumption, so it's best to use it sparingly in city traffic jams. Beginners are advised to practice a few more times to get familiar with the feel and avoid misoperations that could harm the car. The first time I shifted gears on the highway, I experienced faster acceleration response—I highly recommend trying it, but safety first: avoid shifting in curves or while coasting at high speeds to prevent accidents.