Should You Use D Gear or S Gear for Long Downhill Descents?
3 Answers
For long downhill descents, it is recommended to use D gear. S gear has a lower gear ratio and provides higher torque compared to D gear. Unless the slope is particularly steep, using S gear is generally not advised as it increases the load on both the engine and transmission under high torque conditions, leading to higher fuel consumption. S gear is suitable for overtaking: S gear can instantly deliver high torque, allowing the car to accelerate quickly in a short period. S gear is suitable for heavy traffic: S gear can lock the transmission in a lower gear, reducing wear and tear caused by frequent gear shifts. S gear is suitable for clearing carbon deposits: S gear increases the engine load and raises its internal temperature, which helps in clearing carbon deposits.
I've driven quite a few mountain roads, and when encountering long downhill slopes, don't be foolish and just charge ahead in D gear. I remember last year, I was speeding down a steep slope on the highway, braking too much, and ended up with overheated brake pads smoking—almost causing an accident. Since then, I've learned my lesson: shifting to S gear is the right way to go. This keeps the engine RPM higher, providing engine braking to help automatically slow down, reducing brake wear and overheating risks. If the car's braking system can't handle continuous braking, it might fail—and then an accident isn't far off. S gear also protects your transmission and braking system, extending the vehicle's lifespan. Every time I face a long slope, I switch to S gear first, feeling much more stable in speed and a bit more at ease. Additionally, if the car has a manual mode, dropping a gear or two also works. After all, safety comes first—saving you from expensive repairs later.
As a budget-conscious car owner, I pay special attention to maintenance costs and fuel efficiency. Using S mode during long downhill drives is the most cost-effective approach—don't stubbornly stick to D mode. S mode assists with deceleration through engine braking, significantly reducing wear on brake pads and rotors. I've calculated this easily saves hundreds in repair costs annually. Relying solely on brakes in D mode during descents can overload the system, and overheating repairs are prohibitively expensive. Engine braking also optimizes fuel consumption—while S mode may use slightly more fuel, this minor expense pales in comparison to brake failure costs. This practice has extended my vehicle's overall durability on mountain roads. Remember to regularly check tires and brakes—combining this with S mode usage completes the package.
