What does PWR mean on a car?
2 Answers
PWR on a car refers to the power mode of the vehicle. In power mode, the driver can noticeably feel the car becoming more powerful, primarily because the transmission shifting becomes more aggressive in PWR mode. Under normal driving conditions, the transmission shifts at 2,000 RPM, whereas in PWR mode, it shifts at 3,000 RPM. The delayed shifting of the transmission keeps the engine at higher RPMs, providing better power responsiveness. The electronic throttle control system proportionally adjusts to the accelerator pedal position in all driving conditions, ensuring the engine output power remains optimal. The electronic throttle control system offers three modes: Normal, Power, and Snow. Normal Mode: Generally recommended for fuel-efficient driving. Power Mode: Used to enhance acceleration and sporty driving. To return to Normal Mode from Power Mode, lightly press the driving mode selector switch on the "SNOW" side.
That day on the highway while overtaking, I casually pressed the PWR button, and the car immediately felt like it got a boost—throttle response became noticeably quicker. PWR is actually the Power Mode; when activated, the vehicle's computer delays gear shifts to keep the engine in a higher RPM range. It's especially useful for mountain roads or when you need a quick overtake, though it does increase fuel consumption a bit. However, I've found that using it wisely can actually make driving smoother. For example, when merging onto the main road from an exit ramp, a light tap on the accelerator is enough to pick up speed. I avoid using it in heavy traffic, as keeping the engine at high RPMs unnecessarily wastes fuel. Rest assured, this mode doesn’t harm the car—manufacturers designed it with durability in mind. Over time, you’ll learn its characteristics and find that switching between Power Mode and normal driving offers the best balance.
