How to Shift Gears in S Mode for Cars?
4 Answers
Car S mode gear shifting correct method is: 1. Shift the gear to S mode, push the gear lever to the right, the transmission first enters sport mode; 2. Use the method of pushing the gear lever forward and backward to shift gears, pushing forward is upshift, pushing backward is downshift; 3. Switch to automatic mode by directly pushing left to D gear position to complete gear shifting. S mode is the sport mode of the car. In S sport mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing will be delayed, keeping the engine at high speed for a longer time, allowing the car to travel at low gear and high speed for a longer time, thereby obtaining greater torque output and acceleration.
I usually drive automatic transmission cars and am quite familiar with the S-gear manual shifting. Simply put, you first push the gear lever to the S-gear position, and then use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or the +/- buttons next to the gear lever to operate based on the situation. For example, when upshifting, push up or press the + button, and you'll feel the car respond faster with smoother acceleration; when downshifting, pull down or press the - button, especially when going downhill or decelerating, which helps stabilize the speed and avoid excessive braking and overheating. I often use it on highways or mountain roads because it offers more control than pure automatic mode, keeping the engine RPM higher for stronger acceleration. To exit S-gear, simply push it back to D-gear for better fuel efficiency. However, be careful not to shift too frequently—for instance, the engine will automatically upshift to protect the car if the RPM gets too high and enters the redline zone. Beginners should start practicing on flat roads to avoid danger.
When I first started learning to drive, I found the manual mode in S gear super easy. Just shift to the S position and manually change gears—press the + button to upshift for a quick speed boost, and press the - button to downshift for flexible speed control, like reducing brake usage on downhill slopes. I discovered it’s way more fun than just using D gear, especially in traffic jams—accelerating or overtaking feels more responsive with no delay, and manual operation is much simpler. However, you need to remember to match the gear with the speed; don’t suddenly downshift at low speeds, as the engine roaring too loudly can easily damage the car. After using it, I usually switch back to D gear for normal driving to save fuel and avoid sudden spikes in fuel consumption. With some driving skills, I often test it out in the city but avoid prolonged use to prevent overloading the battery or transmission. Overall, it’s easy to get the hang of with no steep learning curve.
It's important to safely use the S mode with manual gear shifting. Ensure the vehicle is at a safe speed, such as above 40km/h, and avoid using it on slippery or bumpy roads to prevent loss of control. When operating, after shifting to S mode, use the paddle shifters to gradually increase or decrease gears—avoid sudden pushes or drops to prevent exceeding engine RPM limits, such as warnings above 5000 RPM. After finishing, switch back to D mode to resume normal driving. It's advisable to frequently consult the vehicle's manual as settings vary across different models and brands like Honda and Toyota. Beginners are recommended to practice in open areas to familiarize themselves with road conditions before driving on public roads.
