How to Use the Plus and Minus on the Car's S Gear?
2 Answers
S gear plus and minus signs, this kind of gear shift layout generally appears in Volkswagen models. Here is how to use the plus and minus signs on the S gear: 1. To switch to manual mode, you must shift the gear to D gear, then push the gear lever to the right. At this time, the transmission first enters the sports mode. 2. At this time, you can shift gears by pushing the gear lever forward and backward. 3. In Volkswagen cars, pushing forward is upshift, and pushing backward is downshift. You can see which gear you are currently in through the upper right corner of the middle screen on the dashboard. 4. If you want to switch to automatic mode, simply push it to the left to the D gear position to complete the switch. At this time, the gear will be controlled by the computer. 5. Paddle shift operation method: The left paddle is downshift, and the right paddle is upshift. When driving, you only need to switch the gear lever to M gear, then press the paddle shift, and the car will enter manual mode.
Speaking of the plus and minus signs on the S gear, I often use this feature when driving my friend's car. When the car is in S gear (Sport mode), the gear lever is marked with + and -. Pushing the - sign downshifts to increase engine RPM, resulting in a rapid power surge, which is great for overtaking or climbing hills. Pushing the + sign upshifts to lower the RPM, making the ride smoother and more fuel-efficient. This manual control is really fun, especially on highways or winding mountain roads, where keeping a lower gear enhances the car's responsiveness. Beginners shouldn’t push too quickly—high RPMs can damage the engine, so smooth operation is key. It’s somewhat like the fun of a manual transmission but safer. I recommend practicing on gentle roads first.