What do the S and L gears in an automatic transmission mean?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission's S gear stands for SPORT, which is the sport mode, an upgraded version of the D gear with more powerful performance. The L gear stands for LOW, meaning low-speed gear. Here is some relevant information about S and L gears: 1. The S gear provides stronger power and is generally used for overtaking or climbing hills, with relatively higher fuel consumption due to increased fuel injection at high speeds. After completing overtaking or climbing, you can switch back to D gear to avoid wearing out the transmission with the S gear. 2. The L gear is a low-speed gear that can be used when going downhill, making full use of the transmission's engine braking to control speed, reducing the burden on the brakes, and minimizing the risk of brake fade. It can also be used when climbing steep hills to prevent frequent gear shifting, making the vehicle more powerful in climbing and protecting the transmission.
I've been driving for over 20 years and frequently use the S and L gears in automatic transmissions. The S gear is sport mode, like hitting the accelerator button. When you shift into it while driving, the engine revs higher, providing much faster acceleration—perfect for overtaking on highways or when you're in a hurry, making the car feel more powerful. The L gear is the low gear, mainly used for climbing steep hills or descending long slopes. It limits the car's speed, and the engine automatically assists with braking to prevent the brake pads from overheating and getting damaged. I often use it on mountain roads, especially in rain or snow to increase traction. The regular D gear feels too tame; occasionally using S or L can protect the transmission. Just remember not to use S gear too often, or fuel consumption will skyrocket.
