What do the S and L gears in an automatic transmission mean?
2 Answers
In an automatic transmission, S stands for Sport mode, and L stands for Low gear. Here are some additional details: 1. The L gear in an automatic transmission is generally used for climbing hills or descending long slopes. Because the torque increases, it only allows shifting between gears 1 to 3. 2. The S gear in an automatic transmission, when engaged, indicates that the vehicle enters Sport mode, with quicker response and slightly delayed shifting to ensure power, but at the cost of higher fuel consumption. 3. When descending a slope, if the vehicle speed increases and braking cannot effectively control the speed, the brakes may fail, overheat, or fade. Engaging the L gear can help resolve this issue.
I found that when driving an automatic transmission car, the S gear actually stands for Sport mode. After switching to it, the transmission shifts up later and downshifts earlier, keeping the engine RPM higher and instantly boosting power, which is especially suitable for overtaking on highways or speeding on mountain roads. That super-direct throttle response feels really exhilarating. The L gear is Low gear, mainly used for climbing steep slopes or descending long slopes, utilizing engine braking to slow down and avoid overheating the brakes, which could lead to accidents. For example, when driving on winding mountain roads or in snowy conditions, I engage L gear to stabilize the speed. Remember not to use S gear continuously on flat highways, as fuel consumption will skyrocket. Switching gears appropriately can protect the car's condition. Normally, using D gear is sufficient, but occasionally experiencing the driving pleasure brought by S and L gears is definitely a plus.
