What do the L gear and S gear mean?

[VanKendra]

L gear stands for Low gear. In this gear, the transmission will stay in first gear and not upshift. S gear is the car's Sport mode. In this gear, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, allowing the engine to maintain high RPMs for a longer period. Other gears in a car include: 1. P gear, which stands for Park gear, also known as the parking gear. When you want to park the car for an extended period, place the gear lever in P gear. 2. N gear is Neutral gear, generally used when starting the car. 3. R gear is Reverse gear, serving the same function as the reverse gear in a manual transmission. When the gear lever is in this position, the hydraulic system engages the reverse gear circuit, causing the drive wheels to rotate in reverse, enabling the car to move backward.

[MacDaniel]

I usually drive to work and have found that the L gear in automatic transmission cars is the low gear, suitable for climbing steep slopes or descending long slopes, such as when driving on mountain roads. It uses engine power to stabilize the speed, preventing you from constantly braking. The S gear is the sport mode, which you can switch to when overtaking or wanting to speed up. The engine runs at higher RPMs, providing faster acceleration and more excitement. However, don’t overuse it, as the S gear consumes more fuel. For city commuting, the D gear is more convenient. Personally, I often use the L gear on slopes to prevent loss of control and ensure driving safety. Shifting gears is quite simple—just turn the knob directly.

[LaMadison]

As someone who follows automotive technology, I'd say the L gear enhances engine braking efficiency by limiting the gear range, especially reducing the risk of skidding when towing trailers or driving in snowy conditions. The S gear activates a performance-oriented mode, where the transmission delays upshifts to maintain higher RPMs, improving acceleration response—ideal for highway driving. Different vehicle models vary significantly in tuning, with some newer models featuring intelligent systems for more responsive performance. However, improper use may accelerate wear, so consulting the manual for scenario-specific recommendations is advised.

[LeBrielle]

When I first learned to drive, I confused the L and S gears. My instructor taught me that L stands for Low, used for controlling speed on slopes or rough roads to avoid frequent braking wear. S stands for Sport, which makes acceleration more aggressive in sport mode. It's best to get familiar with driving in D gear for daily use before attempting to switch, especially for beginners to avoid misuse that could overwork the engine. Safety comes first—practice makes perfect.