Is it better to use D gear or S gear when driving on the highway?
3 Answers
It is better to use D gear when driving on the highway, while S gear is used for aggressive driving and overtaking. Precautions for driving on the highway include: 1. Both the driver and front-seat passenger should fasten their seat belts, and the driver should not answer phone calls; 2. Avoid making sudden steering wheel movements while driving at high speeds; 3. Do not change lanes arbitrarily while driving. When changing lanes or overtaking the vehicle ahead, the turn signal must be activated in advance; 4. Only adjacent lanes are allowed for overtaking, and the vehicle should immediately return to the driving lane after overtaking. Vehicles must not straddle or drive on the lane divider line; 5. Do not reverse, drive in the opposite direction, make U-turns or turns by crossing the central divider, conduct test drives, or drive training vehicles. Overtaking and parking on ramps are also prohibited; 6. Maintain a following distance of at least 100 meters. When the speed is below 100 kilometers per hour, the distance from the vehicle ahead in the same lane can be appropriately reduced, but the minimum distance should not be less than 50 meters.
I've been driving for over 20 years and frequently travel on highways. I can confidently say that using D mode is the most reliable option. D mode is like an automatic cruise control - the transmission maintains low RPMs, the engine runs smoothly, and fuel consumption is low, saving significant money on long trips. I only use S mode for emergency overtaking since it increases RPMs for faster acceleration, but it's completely unnecessary when there aren't many vehicles on flat highways. Frequent use of S mode can cause engine overheating and increased wear. On highways, I always use D mode - it's both safe and comfortable. The dashboard shows fuel consumption at just over 6 liters per 100km, making it the most economical choice.
I'm quite passionate about driving and love the feeling of being pushed back into my seat. However, I usually use D mode on highways because it's more convenient. S mode has a more aggressive power response—stepping on the throttle sends the RPM soaring, making overtaking incredibly quick. It's exhilarating to occasionally switch to S mode in heavy highway traffic, but it consumes at least 1 liter more fuel per 100 km, making it unsuitable for long distances. Most of the time, I stick with D mode, where the RPM stays stable around 2000, ensuring a quiet and comfortable ride without constantly worrying about refueling. On highways, maintaining speed is what matters most—no need to sacrifice your wallet and comfort for thrills.
