Under what circumstances is the S gear generally used?
2 Answers
S gear is generally used when climbing slopes and quickly overtaking. Automatic transmission means that the driver does not need to shift gears manually. The vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. S gear is the sports mode of the car. In this mode, the transmission can shift gears freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer time. This allows the car to maintain low gear and high RPM for an extended period, thereby achieving greater torque output and acceleration. Since S gear only delays upshifting without changing other working aspects, it will inevitably increase the transmission load and temperature in a short time, leading to accelerated wear. Therefore, try to avoid using S gear for extended periods.
When commuting by car, I use the S mode in heavy traffic or when needing to overtake quickly. For example, if there's a slow-moving truck ahead, switching to S mode makes the car leap forward instantly, with rapid acceleration that's super convenient. It's also useful when climbing steep slopes or navigating winding mountain roads, as the engine maintains higher RPMs, making uphill climbs effortless without sluggishness. However, I usually switch back to D mode after just a few minutes of short-distance driving because S mode consumes more fuel than regular modes, and prolonged use would be hard on the wallet. At city traffic lights, starting in S mode offers quicker responsiveness, though beginners might find the engine noise louder—but you get used to it. Just ensure the road conditions are familiar before switching for safety. Compared to the smoothness of D mode, S mode adds a bit of excitement to daily driving, but practicality remains the priority.
