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