What do D gear and S gear mean?

[DelOwen]

D stands for Drive, which is the forward gear, also known as the driving gear. It is used when moving forward. S stands for Sport, indicating the sport mode. When this gear is engaged, the gear can be freely switched, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a period to increase the car's power. Using this gear will result in higher fuel consumption. The specific details are as follows: 1. Automatic gear shifting: Due to different designs in various countries, the "D" gear generally includes gears from 1 to high gear or 2 to high gear, and will automatically shift based on changes in speed and load. Place the lever in the "D" position, and the driver only needs to control the accelerator pedal to manage the speed. When driving normally, place the selector lever in the D position, and the car will automatically shift between gears 1-4 (or 3). 2. Different shifting speeds: The D position is the most commonly used driving position. It is important to note that since the automatic transmission determines the gear based on the accelerator position and vehicle speed, the shifting speed will vary depending on how the accelerator pedal is operated.

[Graham]

D stands for Drive gear, which is what I use most of the time when driving. It's the normal driving mode for automatic transmission cars, where the gearbox shifts automatically to ensure smooth and fuel-efficient driving, making it ideal for daily commutes or long highway trips. S stands for Sport gear, which I only switch to when I want to race or need quick acceleration. It keeps the RPM higher, provides more responsive handling, and is especially powerful when taking sharp turns or climbing steep hills, but it burns fuel faster and makes the engine louder over time. I remember once driving a friend's car on a mountain road—I switched from D to S, and with a press of the accelerator, overtaking became effortless. However, it's too noisy for city driving, so D is more practical. When driving, you can experiment more to understand your car better—it makes the experience more exciting.

[KiraRose]

D mode is the standard setting for automatic transmissions, which I rely on daily for my commute. It eliminates the hassle of shifting gears, maintains steady speeds, and is fuel-efficient, making it a stress-free choice in city traffic. S mode typically stands for Sport mode, excelling during uphill/downhill drives or high-speed overtaking. I often switch to it temporarily in underground parking or on expressways for more responsive acceleration, though it consumes more fuel and isn't ideal for daily commuting. Actually, many vehicles have different designs—some use Standard mode—but the principle remains similar. Practicing mode switching can enhance both driving safety and enjoyment. For beginners, I recommend starting with D mode to familiarize yourself with the vehicle's rhythm before experimenting with S mode to minimize risks. From my daily experience, I've noticed that tire wear and engine longevity are both linked to gear selection, making regular maintenance crucial.

[VanAriel]

D gear is the driving gear, the basic mode of automatic transmission cars. When I drive in it, the transmission automatically shifts gears, making it convenient and safe. S gear is the sport mode, which accelerates quickly but consumes more fuel. I only use it on mountain roads or in emergencies, switching back to D gear promptly. Safety should always be the priority; S gear can make the car noisy and may cause instability at high speeds. In terms of fuel consumption, long-term use of S gear will increase expenses and is not good for the engine.