What do the S and L gears mean in the Civic?
3 Answers
What do the S and L gears mean in the Civic? The S gear in the Civic is the sport mode of the transmission, and the L gear is the low gear mode of the transmission. Here are the detailed explanations about the S and L gears: 1. The S gear is the sport mode of the car ("S" stands for "Sport"). In S gear sport mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer time, allowing the car to move at low gear and high RPM for an extended period, thereby achieving greater torque output and acceleration. When the car is in motion, simply push the gear lever into the "S" position. This mode is typically used for climbing hills or quickly accelerating. 2. The L gear refers to the low gear mode of the transmission. When going downhill or on a long slope, placing the gear in L limits the car's gear to only low gears, allowing the car to use engine braking when descending. This prevents the driver from having to press the brake for a long time, which could overheat the brake pads and cause danger. It is most effective in heavy traffic conditions or on steep slopes. When going uphill or downhill, the torque of the car's engine can be fully utilized.
I've been driving my Civic for almost five years, and the S mode really adds a lot of fun to daily commuting. When switching to S mode, the transmission delays upshifting, keeping the engine RPM higher. A deep press on the accelerator gives an immediate surge of acceleration, making overtaking especially exhilarating. It's my go-to for weekend mountain drives. The L mode is used less often but very practical. Last time during heavy rain when crossing waterlogged sections in L mode, the wheels gripped the road steadily without slipping. On steep descents, the engine automatically drags to slow down, so there's no worry about brake pads overheating on long downhill stretches. Mastering these two modes saves fuel and enhances safety.
As someone who enjoys studying driving dynamics, I frequently switch between these two gears on the Civic. When S gear activates sport mode, the throttle response becomes sharper, and shifting at the redline zone delivers an engaging driving experience, even the exhaust note sounds deeper. L gear restricts operation to 1st-2nd gears, providing maximum torque output - perfect for escaping muddy terrain or climbing 30-degree slopes. I remember once helping a friend tow a vehicle; using L gear delivered steady pulling power without straining the transmission. Just remember never to misuse L gear on highways - it's only safe below 40 mph in urban areas.
