How to Switch Between D and S Gears in an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
Switching between D and S gears in an automatic transmission car is not affected by vehicle speed or road conditions, and there is no need to press the brake pedal—it can be done at any time. However, some CVT vehicles, in addition to the S gear button on the gear lever, also feature a DS sport driving mode, which is somewhat similar to the low-speed L gear. The DS sport driving mode primarily enhances driving pleasure or is used for short-term overtaking by increasing the engine speed and delaying gear shifts. The transmission will automatically select a different gear ratio, which can also be simply understood as directly lowering one gear to keep the engine speed within the maximum torque range for optimal power output. Prolonged high-speed driving in this mode may increase fuel consumption.
Shifting between D and S gears in an automatic transmission car is actually quite simple. I often switch between them while driving normally - you just need to push the gear lever directly when the car is moving. Remember to slightly release the accelerator before shifting to prevent the transmission from making clunking sounds. In my car, there's a button on the side of the gear lever; press it and pull down to engage S gear, and the dashboard immediately displays the letter S. Some cars have button controls located near the gear lever or behind the steering wheel. When first shifting to S gear, you'll notice the RPM suddenly increases and the car feels more powerful. I recommend beginners try this several times on open roads to get familiar with the feeling before using it on highways. Never shift gears while pressing the accelerator as it can damage the transmission. Using D gear for daily commuting is most fuel-efficient, while S gear works particularly well for overtaking or climbing hills.
I use the S gear when driving in both city and highway conditions, and there are a few details to pay attention to when switching. First, make sure the speed is stable, and avoid shifting during rapid acceleration to prevent damage to the transmission. From my experience, shifting between 40-80 km/h is the smoothest—just gently push the gear lever. After switching to S gear, you'll notice the engine sound becomes louder, with RPMs staying above 3000, resulting in much quicker power response. However, I usually switch back to D gear after about half an hour to avoid prolonged high RPMs and increased fuel consumption. Also, it depends on the car model—some require pressing a lock button to shift, while others use paddle shifters directly. It's best to avoid using S gear on rainy or slippery roads to prevent skidding. Remember to be gentle with your foot movements when shifting—avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
