How to Use the S Gear?

[Jesse]

Correct methods for using the S gear in a car are as follows: 1. Overtaking: The issue with the S gear is that it consumes much more fuel because it maintains lower gears and revs higher. The D gear is more fuel-efficient than the S gear, but it doesn't provide as direct power. Many people use the S gear for overtaking and then switch back to the D gear after completing the maneuver. 2. Carbon deposit removal: Engaging the S gear can increase the engine load and raise the temperature inside in a short time, which is beneficial for removing carbon deposits in the engine. 3. Uphill driving: Many drivers use the D gear when climbing slopes, but using the S gear provides more power, making uphill driving easier.

[LailaLynn]

I've been driving for over a decade and I'm quite skilled with the S gear. When you need instant power, like when overtaking or climbing a steep hill, just pull the gear lever back from D to switch to S gear. At this point, the dashboard will display S or Sport mode, and the car feels like it's suddenly injected with adrenaline—the RPM soars and the power response is super fast. It's especially exhilarating when tackling continuous curves on mountain roads; downshifting before entering a curve provides better traction. But remember not to use it for extended periods, especially during highway cruising—switch back to D gear for better fuel efficiency. Using S gear in city traffic jams will cause fuel consumption to spike, and engine noise will also increase. Never use it in rain or snow, as the risk of tire slippage is very high.

[DiCamilla]

I love switching to S mode when driving on mountain roads on weekends. The instant throttle response feels amazing! The transmission delays upshifting to keep the RPM in the power band, delivering strong acceleration and back-pushing force when exiting corners. With sporty models, you don't even need to touch the paddle shifters—just switch to S mode to enjoy delayed upshifting. For beginners practicing track driving, I recommend starting with S mode to get a feel for it, as it's easier to handle than manual mode. Don't believe the online myths about S mode damaging the car—it's perfectly fine for short bursts of spirited driving. Just remember to let the engine cool down afterward and keep an eye on the temperature gauge to avoid overheating.

[VanEverett]

I rarely use the S mode for daily commuting as it's too fuel-consuming. Actual tests show that using S mode on the same route can burn 20% more gasoline. However, it's extremely useful in emergencies, like overtaking large trucks on the highway—shifting to S mode three seconds in advance, revving up to 3,000 RPM before accelerating makes the speed boost much sharper. Note that automatic transmission vehicles in S mode won't automatically shift to the highest gear, and prolonged high-RPM operation can raise engine temperature. Also, avoid using S mode during the break-in period for new cars, and it's best to check the transmission fluid condition before using it in older cars. Don't forget to switch back to D mode afterward—once I forgot to switch and drove for hours, watching the fuel gauge drop noticeably.