What do the m and s gears mean?

[VonRosalie]

m gear is the manual mode of the automatic transmission, which allows the driver to shift up or down manually, equivalent to driving a manual transmission car. Situations for using m gear: 1. During aggressive driving; 2. When going down long or steep slopes; 3. When the road surface is slippery. Methods to engage m gear: 1. If the plus and minus signs are on the left side of the d gear, move the gear lever to the left; 2. If the plus and minus signs are on the right side of the d gear, move the gear lever to the right. s gear is the sport mode of the car. In this mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high revs for a longer time, allowing the car to move at low gear and high revs for an extended period, thereby achieving greater torque output and acceleration.

[SavannahRose]

I've been driving for over thirty years and love exploring these features. The M mode stands for manual mode, allowing you to decide the shift points on an automatic transmission. For example, downshifting on a downhill slope uses engine braking for safety without wearing out the brakes. The S mode is sport mode, which keeps the engine RPM higher and delays shifting for quicker acceleration response—ideal for overtaking or mountain road driving. You can easily operate it using paddle shifters or the gear lever. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; start with automatic mode and try these features later for more fun. Sport mode does consume more fuel, but it’s powerful during quick acceleration and can even improve grip on rainy curves. In short, understanding these features enhances the driving experience, and occasional use won’t harm your car.

[VanEmma]

As a young car owner, I often drive my SUV. The M mode is the manual mode where I use paddle shifters to change gears, such as controlling speed during long downhill drives to avoid brake overheating for better safety. The S mode is the sport mode, where the engine sound is louder and acceleration is faster, making highway overtaking quite thrilling. In daily city traffic, the S mode responds quickly and starts sharply, but fuel consumption slightly increases, making it suitable for short bursts of spirited driving. These features are not essential but are designed to enhance the driving experience. New cars come with them—just try them a few times to get used to it, and don’t forget to use them flexibly based on road conditions.

[DiJoshua]

Having played with cars for over a decade, my favorite is the difference between M mode and S mode. In M (Manual) mode, you can freely shift gears like driving a manual transmission, precisely controlling power output—ideal for downhill driving or towing. S (Sport) mode delays gear shifts to maintain high RPMs, boosting engine output for quick response during mountain roads or high-speed driving. While these designs enhance performance, they also increase fuel consumption. Understanding this helps combine daily driving needs wisely, avoiding blind pursuit of sportiness.

[StZachary]

As an ordinary office worker, I use the S mode during my commute in congested areas to make the car more responsive for smoother starts and save time. I engage the M manual mode for engine braking on long downhill slopes to protect the brakes and reduce wear. The S mode is powerful for overtaking, but it consumes more fuel, so I only use it occasionally—no need for daily use. Familiarizing yourself with the vehicle's menu settings is sufficient.