How to Switch Between D and S Gears in a Car?
2 Answers
In an automatic transmission car, you can directly switch between D (Drive) gear and S (Sport) gear. When overtaking, shift directly from D gear to S gear and accelerate to overtake. After completing the overtaking, shift back directly from S gear to D gear. 1. P stands for Parking gear. When the car is parked and not in use, the gear is in this position, where the wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling. 2. R stands for Reverse gear, used when backing up the car. 3. N stands for Neutral gear, used for temporary stops (e.g., at a red light). 4. D stands for Drive gear, also known as the forward gear, used when moving forward. 5. L stands for Low gear, used when driving downhill. 6. S stands for Sport mode, used for high-speed driving.
When I first learned to switch between D and S gears while driving, it felt quite simple, with safety being the top priority. Before switching, you must firmly press the brake to bring the car to a complete stop, then push the gear lever from D to S. Some models may have a button or settings option on the center console. S gear keeps the engine at higher RPMs, providing quicker acceleration response, which is especially useful for mountain roads or overtaking. However, I remind myself not to use it all the time, as it increases fuel consumption and may cause additional wear on the transmission. After each switch, I ensure the dashboard displays the correct gear to avoid misoperation. On regular roads, using D gear most of the time is comfortable, and I avoid switching while moving at high speeds to prevent malfunctions. Checking the owner's manual to understand specific model differences is always a good idea—for example, Toyota and Honda have slightly different switching methods, which helps me quickly adapt to a new car.
