How to switch between D and S gears?
2 Answers
D gear and S gear can be switched at any time without being affected by vehicle speed or road conditions, and there is no need to press the brake. However, some CVT vehicles, in addition to the S gear button on the gear lever, also have a DS sport driving gear, which is somewhat similar to the low gear (L gear). Below is more information about D gear and S gear: 1. D gear is also known as the forward gear or drive gear, while S stands for sport mode. When the gear lever is shifted into S gear, the engine speed will remain in a higher RPM range. S gear is designed to provide the car with more powerful performance for certain actions. 2. S gear functions to make the automatic transmission drop one gear from the current gear, thereby enhancing climbing power and overtaking power. The D gear in automatic transmission cars is the most commonly used gear, suitable for general road conditions.
Having driven for over a decade, I've gathered some experience to share on how to shift from D to S gear. D stands for regular driving mode, while S typically denotes sport mode, ideal for situations requiring quicker acceleration, such as overtaking or climbing hills. The operation is straightforward: while the car is moving, ensure a steady speed—not too fast—then gently push the gear lever downward or press a specific button (varies by model; some cars use buttons, others paddles). I often use it on mountain roads; switching to S gear makes the car more responsive and accelerates powerfully, as if the engine comes alive. However, be cautious not to shift at high speeds to avoid damaging the transmission; it's safer to slow down to a moderate speed before switching. The position may differ across vehicles—for example, SUVs often have the gear lever near the center console, while sedans might place it below the steering wheel. For everyday driving, there's no need to constantly use S gear; reserve it for when needed to save fuel and protect the car.
