How to Use the Golf S Gear?
2 Answers
S gear is the sport mode of the car (S stands for Sport). In S gear sport mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer time. This allows the car to travel at low gear with high RPM for an extended period, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. While the car is moving, simply push the gear lever into the S gear position. It is typically used when climbing hills or for rapid acceleration when overtaking. Below is an introduction to other gear positions: 1. P (Parking gear). When parking the car, the gear lever must be shifted into the P position. 2. R (Reverse gear). Shift into R gear when the car needs to reverse. 3. N (Neutral gear). The N position is equivalent to neutral and can be used when starting the car, parking without leaving the vehicle, or when towing. 4. D (Drive gear). Place the gear lever in the D position for normal driving, and the car will automatically shift between forward gears. D gear is the most commonly used gear position.
I've been driving a Golf for several years, and the S mode is truly a practical tool, especially useful during traffic jams. The shifting method is straightforward: simply move the gear lever to the S position while driving, and the engine immediately becomes more responsive, holding higher RPMs for quicker acceleration, making it perfect for quick starts at green lights or overtaking. In city driving, I switch to S mode at intersections or when in a hurry, but I avoid using it frequently because it consumes significantly more fuel than D mode—potentially up to 20% more on long trips, which can hit the wallet hard. Additionally, I've tried using S mode when descending slopes to utilize engine braking, reducing wear on the brakes. For regular roads, I switch back to D mode for better fuel efficiency and stability. It's important to remind myself not to abuse S mode at high speeds—excessive aggressive driving can harm the car. During maintenance, remember to check the transmission fluid condition to ensure proper lubrication.
