What do the S and L gears mean in the Civic?
3 Answers
The meanings of the S and L gears in the Civic are: 1. The S gear is the sport mode, which should be engaged when acceleration is needed; 2. The L gear is the low-speed forward gear, which should be engaged when going downhill or descending a long slope. The L gear only changes the shifting of the transmission, so if you want better power response when starting the vehicle, engaging the S gear is a good choice. The Civic is a compact car under Honda, and it comes in multiple models, including a three-door hatchback, a hardtop coupe, a hybrid version, and a five-door sedan version. The tenth-generation Civic performs well in terms of space, with ample legroom in both the front and rear seats, generous headroom in the front seats, but somewhat limited headroom in the rear seats. The central floor hump in the rear is not prominent, enhancing practicality, and the storage compartments are quite functional. The car's dimensions are 4649mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1416mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm.
I really enjoy the sporty feel of the Civic when driving. The S gear is the sport mode—once activated, the engine becomes super responsive, with delayed shifting to maintain higher RPMs, delivering strong acceleration and a powerful push-back sensation. It's especially thrilling for mountain roads or overtaking on highways. However, fuel consumption increases, so it's best to drive moderately. The L gear, on the other hand, is the low-speed gear, suitable for steep descents, muddy roads, or towing a small luggage rack. It locks into a lower gear, using engine braking to slow down, reducing reliance on the brakes for added safety. Beginners might not understand these gear functions, but experimenting safely in open areas can be quite fun and helps improve handling skills—just remember safety first and avoid forcing it. For daily driving, stick to D gear for better fuel efficiency and peace of mind. Also, note that the gear shift button is located beside the gear lever—just press it lightly to switch, but be careful not to confuse them to avoid affecting driving performance.
As an older driver, I prioritize practicality and safety when driving. The Civic's S mode might sound cool, but it's better to use it sparingly. That's the sport mode, which delivers aggressive power and rapid acceleration, but the high engine revs lead to a significant spike in fuel consumption and increased wear on vehicle components. The L mode is actually more practical—for example, when taking the family on a mountain trip, activating it on downhill slopes keeps the car at a low, steady speed, reducing brake load and preventing overheating or accidents. It also works well for anti-slip control in rainy or snowy conditions. For daily commutes, I stick to the automatic D mode, which is fuel-efficient, eco-friendly, and quiet. I recommend regular checks of the transmission fluid pressure to ensure these modes function properly. Don’t overlook the manual’s instructions—smart driving means flexibly switching gears for different road conditions. The goal isn’t to race but to arrive home safely.
