What does the S gear in an automatic car mean?

[HadleyAnn]

The S gear in an automatic car refers to the Sport mode, where 'S' stands for Sport. In this mode, the transmission can shift freely, allowing the engine to maintain higher RPMs for extended periods. This enables the vehicle to operate at lower gears with higher revolutions, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. When using the S gear, the increased RPMs lead to changes in the engine's fuel injection, providing more power but also increasing fuel consumption. Compared to the D (Drive) gear, the S gear is less fuel-efficient due to prolonged operation at lower gears with higher revs, though it offers better performance. Therefore, the S gear is commonly used for overtaking, after which drivers typically switch back to D gear. Some drivers also engage the S gear to help remove carbon deposits by temporarily increasing engine load and raising temperature, which can aid in clearing carbon buildup.