How to Use the S Gear in an Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
The usage method of the S gear in an automatic transmission is as follows: 1. The S gear is suitable for traffic jams and short-distance competitive races. 2. When using the S gear, pay attention to safety, control the speed, and maintain a safe distance. It is usually used for climbing slopes and quick overtaking. Here is some relevant information: 1. The S gear is the sports mode of the car ("S" stands for "Sport"). In S gear sports mode, the throttle response speed becomes faster, the engine speed is maintained in a higher range, and the gear shift timing is delayed, keeping the vehicle in a high-power output state. 2. In terms of fuel consumption, because the fuel injection volume increases at high speeds, the fuel consumption in S gear mode is much higher than in normal mode. Moreover, since the S gear only delays upshifting without changing other working conditions, it will inevitably increase the load on the transmission in a short time, accompanied by a rise in temperature, which will also increase wear. However, using the S gear also has benefits for the vehicle. Frequently driving at high speeds is beneficial for removing carbon deposits in the engine. However, if you want to remove carbon deposits, it is recommended to drive on the highway regularly for better results.
I just got my driver's license recently and discovered how amazing the S gear is when learning to drive an automatic transmission. When driving, if you want a bit more power, like merging from a highway ramp onto the main road or climbing a steep slope, simply hold the gear lever and push it to S—it feels like unlocking hidden power. The engine sound gets louder, acceleration becomes sharper, and overtaking is done in an instant. But don’t get addicted, because fuel consumption will skyrocket, and tire wear speeds up. I limit myself to using it only when necessary, like for quick acceleration or mountain roads. Remember to switch back to D gear afterward to let the car cool down. Safety first—beginners should gradually get used to that burst of power and avoid showing off on slippery roads.
I've been driving automatics for ten years, and the S mode is my old buddy. Normally, I use D mode for regular driving, but when it's time to push for speed—like overtaking trucks on the highway or climbing long slopes—just a quick shift to S, and the revs jump right up, delivering that kick-in-the-back feeling. The operation is simple: find the slot marked with an S next to the gear lever and push it over. The key is to use it judiciously—don’t leave it on for too long, or the engine might overheat and fuel consumption will spike. My rule of thumb is to switch back promptly after a quick burst, keeping things safe and car-friendly. It’s especially handy for stable overtaking at night, but remember to watch the speed limit—don’t get carried away.
