What do the W and S gears in a car mean?

[KaiRose]

The W and S gears in an automatic transmission car refer to the Winter (Snow) mode and Sport mode, respectively. The Winter mode is used for starting on wet surfaces, where the wheel torque is equivalent to that of the second gear, preventing the vehicle from skidding. The Sport mode allows the engine to deliver more powerful performance, typically used for overtaking, which can also be more fuel-efficient when engaged. The W (Winter) mode is suitable for snowy conditions or when wheel slippage occurs, such as on wet, rainy muddy roads or sunny gravel roads. It can also be used to escape situations where the drive wheels are suspended due to potholes or uneven surfaces. In this mode, the engine torque is restrained, reducing the likelihood of wheel spin on snow and effectively preventing skidding. In the S (Sport) mode, the transmission can shift freely, with delayed shifting to keep the engine at higher RPMs for extended periods. This allows the car to travel at lower gears with higher RPMs, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration, commonly used for climbing hills or quick overtaking. How to use the S mode: Shift the gear lever to D, then push it to the right to engage the Sport mode. Use forward and backward movements of the gear lever to shift gears—forward for upshifting and backward for downshifting. To switch back to D mode, simply push the lever to the left to the D position.

[Nick]

Having driven for decades, I frequently use these two gears. The W gear is the snow mode, which starts in second gear when there's snow or ice, making the tires less prone to slipping—it’s especially reassuring in winter. The S gear is the sport mode, perfect for overtaking; a press on the accelerator sends the RPM soaring with powerful performance, but prolonged use will significantly increase fuel consumption, so I usually only switch to it for highway overtaking. Nowadays, snow mode in new cars is integrated into a rotary knob, but it’s still best to drive cautiously—avoid slamming the accelerator in rain or snow. Also, a reminder: don’t use the W gear on regular roads as it can cause extra wear on the transmission. Safe driving is what matters most.

[DelBrantley]

I think the S mode is where the soul lies! Engaging it makes the car noticeably more aggressive, with gear shifts only happening at 4,000-5,000 RPM, delivering an intense push-back feeling. I always use S mode when driving mountain roads on weekends—the power keeps up when cornering, which feels amazing. As for W mode, it's rarely used in the south, but I tried it last time when playing in the snow in Northeast China. It really helps prevent wheel spin at startup, though it feels like the power is being restrained. For daily driving, the regular D mode is more fuel-efficient. Modern automatic transmissions are smart enough to adjust torque output automatically in rainy conditions, making it more convenient than manually switching to W mode. I recommend occasionally trying sport mode for fun, but prolonged aggressive driving can cause significant wear to the engine and transmission.

[EmmanuelLynn]

In over a decade of repairing cars, many malfunctions I've encountered were caused by improper gear usage. The W mode limits the transmission to first and second gears, reducing starting torque specifically for snowy or icy roads. Conversely, the S mode forcibly delays upshifting to keep the engine running at high RPMs for greater output. However, frequent use of S mode can raise transmission oil temperature and accelerate wear on metal components—repairs aren't cheap. It's advisable to use W mode promptly in rain or snow and avoid unnecessary gear changes otherwise. By the way, in some car models, the W mode also links with the ESP system to actively control slippage. Remember, no mode should be overloaded, and checking transmission oil every 20,000 kilometers saves much more money than repairs.