How to Use the S Gear in an Automatic Transmission Car?
4 Answers
To use the S gear in an automatic transmission car, follow these steps: 1. Shift the gear lever to D gear and push it to the right to enter the sport mode; 2. Use the gear lever to shift gears by pushing it forward or backward—forward for upshifting and backward for downshifting; 3. Push the gear lever to the left to return to D gear to switch between S and D gears. An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Precautions for using an automatic transmission: 1. Do not coast in neutral; 2. Do not shift gears before the vehicle comes to a complete stop; 3. Warm up the vehicle properly; 4. Shift to P gear and engage the handbrake when parking for an extended period.
I love using the S mode when driving now! It's not just for show—it's especially powerful when climbing long slopes or overtaking. As soon as I shift into S mode, the engine RPM noticeably rises, delivering instant power on demand, and the steering feedback becomes heavier. Previously, when navigating mountain roads with continuous curves, using the regular D mode always felt a bit sluggish. But after switching to S mode, the downshifts became much quicker, making acceleration out of corners exceptionally sharp. However, I don’t recommend using it in city traffic jams, as fuel consumption can increase by about 2 points. Switching is super simple: just push the gear lever into S mode while driving, and the dashboard will light up with an 'S' indicator—no need to press the brake at all. Just remember not to use it for long periods during highway cruising, as the engine roars too loudly and guzzles fuel.
My experience is that S mode is perfect for impatient drivers! Last time on the highway when overtaking a big truck, I floored the gas in D mode but the car just roared without moving. Switching to S mode instantly dropped two gears, and the acceleration pushed me right back into the seat. The principle is that it delays upshifting, keeping the engine in the high RPM range, at the cost of higher fuel consumption and more noise. Using S mode at traffic lights for quick starts is exhilarating, but be aware that braking distance shortens, so brake earlier. I've noticed many friends are hesitant to use it—actually, you can freely switch between D and S modes while driving. When going down long slopes like underground garages, switching to S mode can utilize engine braking to reduce brake pad wear. Just don’t use it recklessly in the rain, as sudden torque bursts can cause skidding.
Just taught my neighbor how to use the S gear yesterday, so satisfying! She always complained about lacking power when overtaking. I told her to try the S gear: while driving in D gear, gently pull the gear lever backward, and you'll hear a 'click' when it's engaged. Tested on provincial roads, overtaking was 3 seconds faster, with the RPM needle instantly soaring to 5000! The principle is that the transmission logic becomes more aggressive, downshifting 2-3 gears with a deep press of the accelerator. It's especially useful when the AC is on and the car is fully loaded, instantly releasing reserved power. But be careful: continuous use for half an hour can raise the water temperature, so keep an eye on the dashboard in summer. Avoid using it in city traffic as low-speed jerks are noticeable.
