How to use the Malibu S gear?
2 Answers
The usage of the Malibu S gear is very simple. While the car is moving, just push the gear lever into the S position. It is typically used for climbing slopes and quick acceleration. The S gear is the car's sport mode, where "S" stands for "sport." Many automatic transmission cars are equipped with an S gear. The S gear allows the transmission to shift freely but delays the shift timing, keeping the engine at high RPMs for a longer period. This results in the car maintaining lower gears at higher RPMs for an extended time, providing greater torque output and acceleration. Precautions for using the S gear: 1. Do not use the S gear frequently: Since the S gear only delays upshifting without changing other operational aspects, it will inevitably increase the transmission load in a short time, accompanied by rising temperatures, which will accelerate wear and tear. Therefore, try not to use the S gear for extended periods. 2. Do not engage the S gear at startup: This actually has the opposite effect on speed improvement, and if the car is not carrying heavy loads, it may even delay speed gain. 3. Avoid using the S gear during high-speed cruising: Because it will never reach the 6th gear, once the S gear exceeds 90 km/h, the engine will run at excessively high RPMs, producing unpleasant noise and consuming more fuel. For cars that can generate high torque at low RPMs, this is particularly unnecessary. 4. Coasting: Often, when the road conditions are good and there is a red light 400 meters ahead, if you release the throttle in S gear, you won't coast that far. Instead, you'll need to drive steadily to about 100 meters and then brake. However, if you shift to N gear, you can coast up to 200 meters before braking.
I have a passion for cars, and the S mode is one of my favorite features when driving the Malibu. The S mode stands for Sport mode, and it's very simple to use—just push the gear lever to the position marked 'S' when you're driving in suitable conditions. It enhances driving responsiveness, raises the engine RPM, and speeds up gear shifts, making the car feel more powerful, especially when climbing hills or overtaking. However, I don’t recommend keeping it on for long periods, as it consumes more fuel. It’s best to use it for about ten minutes on highways or winding roads. When driving on mountain roads, the S mode provides stronger responsiveness and better stability in corners, keeping the engine in its efficient range. For daily driving, switching back to D mode is more convenient. Avoid overusing it to prevent unnecessary wear on parts. I often share this tip with friends, saying it can unleash the car’s potential.
