How to Use the S Gear and Plus/Minus Signs in an Automatic Transmission?
1 Answers
Automatic transmission S gear and plus/minus signs are not used simultaneously. The S gear is the car's sport mode. After shifting into S gear, the car enters sport mode, where the power is stronger and the throttle response is faster. The plus/minus signs next to the gear shift are used after engaging the M gear. The M gear is the manual mode of the automatic transmission. After shifting into M gear, you can use the gear shift to control the transmission to upshift or downshift. Some sports cars also come with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. After engaging M gear, you can use the paddle shifters to control the transmission to upshift or downshift. Many cars with automatic transmissions have a manual mode, which can be used in various situations. Manual mode can be used when encountering special road conditions, such as when climbing or descending steep slopes. In these cases, you can use manual mode to lock the transmission into a lower gear, helping the car climb smoothly. When descending a slope, shifting into a lower gear can utilize engine braking to help slow the car down.